Man cut off diver’s air supply during dispute over Miami lobster fishing spot, report says

Key Points:

• Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, was arrested for allegedly cutting off a diver’s air supply during a dispute over a lobster fishing spot in Miami; his charge was reduced from attempted felony murder to second-degree attempted murder with a $10,000 bond set by a judge.
• The incident occurred on July 29 when Simpson reportedly turned off a Brownie Third Lung breathing apparatus supplying air to an 18-year-old diver after a verbal dispute between boats over fishing territory.
• The victim was pulled to the surface gasping for air and appeared disoriented; cellphone video showed Simpson swimming away from the device before leaving the area, leading to his arrest days later.
• Simpson’s family denies the allegations, claiming eyewitnesses contradict the accusations, and that Simpson was cleared minutes after the complaint by authorities; they assert the video shows the victim entangled in his own equipment without Simpson’s interference.
• Simpson is known for his commitment to boating safety and serves on a local boating safety council, with his family emphasizing his intent to clear his name and restore his reputation in court.