By Frank Soler

Cuban exile boatbuilder Ramon Donestevez Tuesday blamed a statement claiming credit for recent sabotage inside Cuba as the cause for an explosion that rocked his Hialeah factory.

The blast late Monday night tore out chunks of a wall and wrecked three boats parked outside the building at 2215 W. Ninth Ave. Two of the boats were considered total losses. Windows and doors in adjacent buildings were also blown out.

Donestevez said the explosion caused an estimated $20,000 in damages, including $16,400 for the two boats.

Tom Brodie, explosives expert for Dade's Public Safety Department, said three charges with approximately one pound each of plastic explosives were placed next to the building. He said the charges were connected by a fuse which detonated all three simultaneously.

The explosion left three small craters about three inches deep in the ground. The explosion at the Piranha Machinery Corporation was the 38^th bombing linked to Cuban exiles since January.

Donestevez claimed the bomb was planted in retaliation to a statement he issued late last week. It claimed a group he serves as Miami coordinator was responsible for a rash of sabotage inside Cuba over the past 60 days.

"I'm certain it was the statement that caused the attack," Donestevez said. "There are two kinds of people, those that go to Cuba and attack Castro and those that bomb here. Our forces attack Castro. These others are afraid to fight Castro so they plant the bombs here."

The statement, signed by Donestevez, said "we will not make the heads of the neighborhood committee chiefs in Cuba roll because they are our brothers and the blame for the errors belongs to Castro. We need all the members of the rebel army and of the G-2 security."

The statement added that his group would guarantee the life of the members of the present Cuban government so they could help in the struggle against Castro.

Donestevez, whose factory has been the target of three prior bombings, is currently fighting a deportation order issued by the U.S. Immigration Department for his illegal and unsuccessful trips to Cuba seeking freedom for political prisoners. A hearing on his appeal will be held in Washington Oct. 15.

Meanwhile, it was learned that Immigration authorities have taken into custody Juan Garcia Cardenas, a Miami Cuban exile. He is being held under $10,000 bond.

Immigration officials refused to discuss the case except to confirm that Garcia Cardenas was taken into custody late last month and was being held for review of his parole status as an exile.

Other sources said Cardenas was picked up in connection with the investigation into the Cuban-related bombings in the Miami area.

A hearing on his parole status is expected soon.