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Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Boating Accidents

The Coast Guard is refusing to release the videotape of the chase which resulted in the death of a 243 year old Cuban woman attempting to illegally enter the United States. Amay Machado Gonzalez was one of 31 passengers on the speed boat which was crossing the Florida Straights when it was intercepted by a Coast Guard "go-fast" boat. The Coast Guard boat rammed the speed boat loaded with Cubans approximately four times, causing Machado to suffer a head injury which eventually killed her. The coroner found umerous trauma injuries on her extremities, chest, back and head, said Dr. Michael Hunter, Monroe County medical examiner. The boat was finally stopped when the Coast Guard fire two shots into the boat's engine.

Marchado's husband, Agustin Uralde, 24, is being held on the Coast Guard cutter in Key West.