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The audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a long, “scary” and soaking boat journey in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who claims to have commanded the mission.

The Perilous Nocturnal Voyage

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent interview. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the escape.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left Venezuela, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 fearing targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to catch a plane, in a mission planned just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he commented, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was exhausted,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was behind the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account comes after previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the ground segment, citing his company’s future work in the region.

Funding and American Involvement

He told media the mission was financed by “a few generous donors” – none of whom were US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to depart Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern said his group would not be involved in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “She must decide that for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.