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This daring getaway of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, frightening and soaking sea crossing in the pitch black of night, according to the US veteran who claims to have commanded the operation.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

Bryan Stern, who leads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the mission in a recent media appearance. It was perilous. It was scary,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she left Venezuela, where she had been lying low since August 2024 fearing targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a half-day trip to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission planned just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – very little moon, a little bit of cloud cover, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he said, She was elated. She was very excited. She was exhausted,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account follows previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her safe house in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share specifics about the ground segment, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the country.

Financing and American Role

He told media the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – none of whom were US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern said.

He said, however, that his group did coordinate informally with the US military regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

Stern said his group would play no part in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “She must decide that and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.