A quarrel over a lobster-diving spot near Fisher Island allegedly escalated into a life-or-death underwater emergency after authorities say a man shut off another diver’s breathing system. The diver was brought back to the surface unharmed, but Michael Simpson is now facing an attempted-murder charge in Miami-Dade.
According to WSVN, the incident happened last Wednesday after Simpson argued with occupants of another boat over a lobster-diving location. Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputies said the 51-year-old intentionally turned off the lung oxygen system being used by a diver from the other boat. The diver was brought to the surface and was not injured.
Lobster Mini-Season Put More Boats On The Water
The timing matters because the confrontation unfolded on the opening day of Florida’s two-day recreational spiny lobster season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists this year’s sport season as Wednesday and Thursday, with specific size, bag-limit and safety rules for recreational harvesters. The UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County notes that mini-season draws locals and visitors to the water and advises keeping someone on the surface to watch divers when possible.
What The Attempted-Murder Charge Means
Florida’s criminal-attempt statute says a person can be charged when they take an act toward committing an offense but fail to complete it, as outlined by the Florida Legislature. Simpson’s charge remains an allegation, not a conviction, and the case will turn on whether prosecutors can prove that the underwater intervention was intentional and met the legal requirements for attempted murder. The initial report did not include additional details about the diver or a scheduled court appearance.
