Diver Incident Sparks Investigation in Miami

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) clarified that a recent incident off the coast of Fisher Island did not relate to a boating accident. Instead, it involved a dispute between divers. Michael Simpson, a participant in the event, faces an attempted-murder charge for allegedly turning off another diver’s oxygen supply during a lobster mini-season dispute.

The FWC reported that officers located the boat carrying Simpson and informed the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, as the incident arose from a confrontation between divers. A family spokesperson for Simpson stated he did not interfere with anyone’s diving equipment, despite the allegations.

On July 29, the event unfolded at a popular lobster-diving location. According to the arrest report, a boat captain warned someone on a nearby 39-foot Contender to steer clear of a Brownie diving system, which supplies air to divers. Witnesses claimed Simpson reacted by swimming over and turning off the system, compromising the diver’s air supply.

As reported, people on the boat shouted warnings and pulled the diver to the surface. When the diver emerged, he was entangled in the air hose and anchor line, appeared disoriented, and struggled to grasp the situation.

Michael Simpson holds a role in Miami-Dade County’s Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, created after the 2022 Biscayne Bay boat crash that resulted in the death of Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Lucy Fernandez Foundation established the task force to promote safer boating practices.

Simpson, also known as the owner of Island Queen Cruises & Tours, has long been involved in boating safety initiatives. His family emphasized his dedication to boating education and pledged to clear his name and reputation in court. The case remains under investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.