A dispute over a lobster-diving location near Fisher Island allegedly escalated underwater during Florida’s annual lobster mini season. Investigators accuse Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, of shutting off the surface-supplied air system used by an 18-year-old diver. Simpson surrendered in Miami-Dade County on an attempted murder charge, while his attorney denies the allegations.
The July 29 confrontation occurred shortly after 7 a.m., about a half-mile east of Fisher Island. The diver was pulled to the surface by the owner of the boat and was reportedly gasping and disoriented, but not injured.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | The alleged confrontation near Fisher Island |
| 2) | The underwater air-supply dispute |
| 3) | The diver’s rescue and law enforcement response |
| 4) | The surrender and attempted murder charge |
| 5) | The defense’s account and remaining questions |
The alleged confrontation near Fisher Island
According to the arrest affidavit, the incident began shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29 during Florida’s annual lobster mini season. Investigators say Michael Joseph Simpson approached another boat at a high rate of speed, circled it several times and anchored about 10 feet away. The location was approximately a half-mile east of Fisher Island, off the Miami-Dade County coast.
Authorities allege Simpson objected to the group diving in what he described as “his spot.” He reportedly warned that a larger boat was on its way before that vessel arrived and anchored nearby. The disagreement over access to the diving area allegedly set the stage for the confrontation that followed.
The underwater air-supply dispute
Investigators allege Simpson threatened to turn off the surface-supplied air system supporting an 18-year-old diver who was searching for lobsters. The system, identified in the defense statement as a Brownie’s Third Lung unit, supplied air to the diver below the surface from the boat.
Authorities say Simpson entered the water and intentionally shut off the equipment. Witnesses reportedly shouted that a diver was underwater and needed air. The allegation is central to the attempted murder charge, although Simpson’s attorney disputes both the accusation and the interpretation of video evidence.
The diver’s rescue and law enforcement response
The owner of the diver’s boat entered the water during the confrontation and pulled the diver to the surface. The diver was reportedly gasping for air and appeared disoriented after being brought up, but was not injured, according to the account provided to investigators and local media.
Investigators allege Simpson left the area before deputies arrived. Authorities later identified him as the suspect. The case was investigated by Miami-Dade authorities, with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers also involved in the response described by Simpson’s attorney.
The surrender and attempted murder charge
Michael Joseph Simpson surrendered Tuesday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. Jail records show he was booked that evening on an attempted murder charge. His bond was set at $10,000.
The charge follows the alleged July 29 incident and does not establish guilt. Prosecutors will determine how to proceed after reviewing the evidence. The available account identifies no reported injury to the diver, but investigators allege that disabling the air supply created a potentially life-threatening situation underwater.
The defense’s account and remaining questions
Simpson’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, strongly denies the allegations. He said Simpson was diving from his own boat with friends and his two young children and “never disabled anyone’s diving equipment.” Srebnick also said video shows an accuser becoming entangled in the air system while Simpson was not near it.
The attorney disputes the claim that Simpson fled, saying his client moved his boat away from the immediate area to prevent the confrontation from worsening. Srebnick said Simpson then cooperated with responding wildlife officers and provided a statement. He further argued that witnesses on two boats support Simpson’s version and that investigators should interview them before the case advances.
“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 said.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The alleged confrontation occurred near Fisher Island on July 29 during lobster mini season. |
| 2 | An 18-year-old diver was allegedly deprived of surface-supplied air but was rescued without reported injury. |
| 3 | Simpson surrendered and was booked on an attempted murder charge with a $10,000 bond. |
| 4 | His attorney denies the allegations and says video and witnesses support the defense. |
Summary
The case centers on a disputed underwater encounter during Florida’s lobster mini season. Investigators say Simpson deliberately shut off a diver’s air supply after objecting to the group’s location, while the defense says the equipment incident was accidental and that Simpson was not responsible. The evidence, including video and witness accounts, remains contested as the attempted murder case moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael Joseph Simpson accused of?
Investigators accuse Simpson of intentionally shutting off the surface-supplied air system used by an 18-year-old diver during a dispute over a lobster-diving location.
When and where did the incident occur?
The confrontation allegedly occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29, about a half-mile east of Fisher Island in Miami-Dade County waters.
What does Simpson’s attorney say?
Attorney Howard Srebnick denies that Simpson disabled the equipment and says video and witnesses support his client’s account.
