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This audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, frightening and very wet sea crossing in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the American man who claims to have commanded the operation.

The Perilous Nighttime Voyage

Bryan Stern, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a newly published media appearance. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting dark and choppy conditions that also provided ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

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 government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour journey to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, in a mission planned just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

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

Verification and Disguise

A representative for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account follows 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 specifics about the land operation, referencing his company’s future work in the country.

Funding and US Involvement

He told media the mission was funded through “a few generous donors” – with no US officials 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.

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to go back, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern indicated his group would play no part in that operation, as it worked only on extracting individuals from 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 said.