María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, recently made headlines following a perilous escape from her home country. This daring getaway involved a treacherous and "scary" sea crossing during the night, as detailed by Bryan Stern, an American who led the operation through his nonprofit rescue organization, the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation.
In an exclusive interview with CBS, Bryan Stern, a veteran of the US special forces, recounted the harrowing mission that took place after the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway. Stern described the conditions at sea as dark and choppy, which, while dangerous, provided a necessary cover for Machado's escape. He noted, “It was dangerous. It was scary,” emphasizing the risks involved in the operation.
After hiding in Venezuela since August 2024 due to fears of persecution by President Nicolás Maduro, Machado boarded Stern's boat for a grueling 13- to 14-hour journey to an undisclosed location where she could catch a flight. The escape was meticulously planned just four days prior, showcasing the level of preparation that went into this high-risk operation.
The sea conditions, while not ideal for a standard journey, were beneficial for evading detection. Stern explained, “The higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” making the rough waters a tactical advantage. He described the escape as occurring in near-complete darkness, with minimal moonlight and cloud cover complicating visibility. “All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills,” Stern added, noting that Machado was equally cold and wet after her arduous journey.
Despite the challenges, Stern remarked on Machado's emotional state upon her escape. “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was very tired,” he said, highlighting her relief after what had been a long and dangerous ordeal. Approximately two dozen individuals were directly involved in this operation, demonstrating the extensive effort required to facilitate such a significant escape.
A representative for Machado confirmed that the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation orchestrated the operation, which began on a Tuesday. In a statement, Stern clarified that the mission was funded entirely by “a few generous donors,” asserting, “The US government did not contribute a single penny to this operation, at least not that I know of.” However, he acknowledged that his group had “unofficially collaborated” with the US military to avoid potential airstrikes during the operation.
On the day after her escape, Machado indicated that she had received US support for her exit from Venezuela. Although she has expressed intentions to return home, the specifics of how and when remain uncertain. Stern emphasized that his organization wouldn't be involved in any future operations to assist her return, stating, “That’s for her to determine and for her to decide. But I think she should not go back. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational.”
This remarkable escape sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by opposition figures in Venezuela and the lengths to which they must go to seek safety and freedom.