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The daring getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a long, frightening and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, according to the US veteran who claims to have commanded the mission.

The Dangerous Nighttime Voyage

The rescue organizer, who heads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the mission in a newly published media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided convenient cover for the escape.

“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,” Stern said.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left the country, where she had been lying low for over a year fearing persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Step-by-Step Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, in a mission orchestrated just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he commented, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his organization.

Confirmation and Concealment

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

Stern did not divulge details about the ground segment, referencing his organization's ongoing operations in the region.

Funding and American Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – with no US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the US military regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Admiration

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

Stern said his group would not be involved in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “That’s for her to determine and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.