Florida man charged with attempted murder after underwater confrontation over lobster spot
Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, was taken into custody Tuesday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, according to jail records. He was booked on an attempted murder charge, with bail set at $10,000.
The incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29, about a half-mile east of Fisher Island during Florida’s lobster mini season, authorities said. According to an arrest affidavit cited by Law&Crime, Simpson approached a boat at high speed, circled it several times, and anchored about 10 feet away.
Investigators say the confrontation began when Simpson claimed the group was diving in “his spot.” He reportedly warned that a larger boat was approaching before it arrived and anchored nearby. Authorities allege Simpson then threatened to shut off the oxygen supply to an 18-year-old diver searching for lobsters. Simpson allegedly jumped into the water and intentionally turned off the diver’s air system.
Witnesses reportedly yelled during the incident, warning, “We have a diver down there, you a–hole!” according to the arrest affidavit. The boat owner dove into the water and pulled the diver to the surface. The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, local news outlets reported.
Simpson left the scene before authorities arrived but later surrendered voluntarily. His attorney, Howard Srebnick, denied the allegations, stating that Simpson was diving with friends and his young children from his own boat and never disabled anyone’s equipment. Srebnick claimed video evidence shows a different individual becoming entangled in a different air system and that Simpson was nowhere near it.
Srebnick also disputed the claim that Simpson fled, asserting he moved his boat away to avoid escalation before cooperating with law enforcement. He said multiple witnesses aboard two boats support Simpson’s account and criticized the sheriff’s office for making an arrest before interviewing potential exculpatory witnesses. Srebnick expressed confidence that, after review, the charges will be dismissed and Simpson’s reputation restored.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to requests for additional comment. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to review evidence and witness statements.
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