The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) clarified that an incident involving divers stemmed from an altercation and not a boating accident. A man, Michael Simpson, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly turning off a diver’s oxygen supply over a diving spot dispute during the lobster mini-season.
Simpson, 51, claims that the FWC ‘cleared him’ shortly after the event, although the Commission stated officers located Simpson’s boat and involved the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) for investigation because the issue occurred between divers. Despite Simpson’s denial through a family spokesperson, he was arrested, and the MDSO is leading the investigation.
The FWC mentioned that officers responded to the scene, found Simpson’s vessel, and carried out interviews. The diver’s associates reported no injuries but alerted law enforcement.
The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on July 29 at a known lobster-diving site. According to the arrest report, the boat’s captain warned someone on a 39-foot Contender to stay clear of a Brownie diving system, a floating compressor system. Simpson allegedly became agitated, threatened to turn off the Brownie, then swam over and did so.
Witnesses claimed Simpson deliberately shut off the air supply, prompting those on the first boat to respond urgently. The boat’s captain pulled the diver up by the Brownie air hose. The diver emerged tangled in the air hose and anchor line, struggling for air and disoriented, according to witness accounts.
Simpson’s reputation in the boating community adds complexity to the case. He is part of Miami-Dade County’s Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, initiated in 2024 after the unfortunate death of 17-year-old Luciana ‘Lucy’ Fernandez in a boating accident. Lucy’s father, Andres Fernandez, and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle are also members.
Simpson also owns Island Queen Cruises & Tours, a company offering excursions such as sunset cruises and trips highlighting Miami’s luxury residences. His family emphasizes Simpson’s dedication to boating safety and his responsible reputation in South Florida.
The task force, formed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in collaboration with the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, has recommended enhanced boating-safety education. Simson’s family notes that he looks forward to presenting the full facts in court, aiming to clear his name and restore his lifetime-built reputation.
Grethel Aguila from the Miami Herald, who is studying law part-time, contributed to the report alongside Milena Malaver. Aguila covers the courts and criminal justice system in Miami, is a University of Florida alumnus, and is passionate about animals, traveling, and storytelling.
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