Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, was arrested on August 1, 2026, and charged with attempted murder after an incident involving another diver off the coast of Florida. The confrontation occurred on July 29, 2026, approximately half a mile east of Fisher Island during Florida's annual lobster mini season. According to Miami-Dade jail records, Simpson was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with a bond set at $10,000.
Witnesses reported that Simpson approached another boat at a high speed and anchored nearby. He allegedly claimed the divers were in 'his spot' and threatened to turn off the air supply of an 18-year-old diver. Investigators state that Simpson then jumped into the water and disabled the diver's air system. Witnesses yelled for help, and the diver's boat owner was able to retrieve him from the water, where he was gasping for air but did not sustain injuries.
Simpson reportedly left the scene before law enforcement arrived. He later surrendered voluntarily. His attorney, Howard Srebnick, denied the allegations, claiming that evidence and witnesses support Simpson's account, asserting that he did not disable any diving equipment and that video footage contradicts the allegations against him. Srebnick expressed optimism that the charges would be dismissed after a review of the evidence and witness statements.