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Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Safety at Sea

For years it has been common for thrill seekers to load their speedboats with extra fuel barrels to make the trip across the Florida Straits to the North Coast of Cuba, a destination which is forbidden to Americans. One recent trip ended badly.

During the trip back to Florida the boat caught on fire while still 40 miles from Key West. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Metomkin responded to distress call. When they arrived they could see two men in the water but one slipped below the surface and drowned before he could be rescued. The other was recovered and suffered burns to his arms and face. The two men were apparently the only two aboard the boat.