Florida Man Accused of Cutting Diver’s Air Supply in Lobster Spot Dispute
A dispute over a prime lobster diving location off the Florida coast allegedly turned dangerous when a man was accused of cutting off another diver’s air supply, leading to his arrest on an attempted murder charge. Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday evening at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. Jail records indicate his bond was set at $10,000.
Underwater Confrontation Over Diving Territory
The incident reportedly occurred around 7 a.m. on July 29, approximately half a mile east of Fisher Island, during Florida’s annual lobster mini-season. According to an arrest affidavit, Simpson allegedly approached another boat at high speed, circled it multiple times, and then anchored his vessel about 10 feet away. Investigators stated that the confrontation began when Simpson asserted that the other group was in “his spot” and claimed a larger boat was en route. Shortly thereafter, another boat did indeed arrive and anchor nearby.
Authorities allege that Simpson then threatened to disable the surface-supplied air system that was providing oxygen to an 18-year-old diver who was searching for lobsters. The affidavit further claims that Simpson then entered the water and deliberately shut off the air unit. Witnesses reportedly shouted at Simpson, drawing attention to the diver’s precarious situation. The owner of the diver’s boat quickly entered the water to assist, bringing the young diver to the surface. While the diver was disoriented and gasping for air, he did not sustain any physical injuries.
Suspect’s Surrender and Defense
Investigators allege that Simpson departed the scene before law enforcement officers arrived. Following his identification as the suspect, Simpson voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, according to reports. Simpson’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, issued a strong denial of the allegations, stating that investigators overlooked crucial evidence and witness testimonies that he believes support his client’s version of events. Srebnick asserted that Simpson was diving with friends and his two young children and maintained that his client “never disabled anyone’s diving equipment.”
The defense attorney pointed to video evidence that he claims shows one of the accusers becoming entangled in the air system, while Simpson was reportedly nowhere near the equipment at the time. Srebnick also disputed the claim that Simpson fled the scene. Instead, he explained that Simpson moved his boat away from the immediate vicinity to de-escalate the confrontation before cooperating fully with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and providing a statement. Srebnick emphasized that numerous eyewitnesses on two separate boats corroborate Simpson’s account and criticized the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for proceeding with the arrest before interviewing these witnesses, whom he described as providing exculpatory information.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
“We are optimistic that the State Attorney’s Office, after reviewing the video and interviewing all the eyewitnesses, will dismiss the charges, clear his name, and restore the reputation he has spent a lifetime building,” Srebnick stated. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has been contacted for additional comment regarding the case.
The incident highlights the intense rivalries that can sometimes emerge over popular recreational spots, even extending to underwater disputes. While the legal process unfolds, the defense aims to present evidence that they believe will exonerate Simpson and clarify the events that transpired during the lobster mini-season.
