Overview
- Deputies say the confrontation began over a lobster‑diving spot and that the suspect threatened then disabled an 18‑year‑old diver’s surface air unit while the teen was underwater.
- Investigators and multiple boat occupants identified Michael Simpson as the man who swam to the device and shut off the air, leaving the diver gasping and disoriented before a boat owner pulled him to the surface.
- The attack reportedly happened on July 29 about a half mile east of Fisher Island during Florida’s two‑day lobster mini‑season, a period when many boats and divers crowd the same locations.
- Simpson surrendered to authorities in early August, was charged initially with attempted murder, and was released on a $10,000 bond after his charge was reduced to attempted second‑degree; his attorneys deny he touched the tank.
- The case rests on witness statements and cellphone or social‑media video and could prompt broader scrutiny of crowding and the use of boat‑powered surface air systems known as “Brownies” during mini‑season.