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The daring escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, frightening and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, according to the American man who says he led the mission.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the operation in a newly published interview. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting 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,” he remarked.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from the country, where she had been in hiding for over a year due to fear of persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Step-by-Step Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, in a mission planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

Regarding her state, he commented, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was exhausted,” and noted about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account comes after previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Financing and US Role

He told media the mission was funded through “a few generous donors” – none of whom were US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Admiration

Machado said she had US support to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern said his group would play no part in a return mission, as it worked only on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. She is a genuine inspiration,” he concluded.