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This audacious escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, “scary” and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, according to the American man who says he led the mission.

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, an ex-special forces operative, recounting rough and moonless seas that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the escape.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He recalled meeting Machado out at sea after she left Venezuela, where she had been in hiding for over a year fearing targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Step-by-Step Extraction

She boarded his boat for a 13- to 14-hour trip to an undisclosed location to board a flight, as part of planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

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

Verification and Disguise

A representative for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report 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 land operation, citing his company’s future work in the country.

Financing and US Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was funded through “several benefactors” – with no US officials involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He said, however, that his group did coordinate informally with the US military regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern said his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it worked only on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.