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Florida Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Disabling Diver's Air Supply
Just the facts
Michael Joseph Simpson surrendered to Miami-Dade County law enforcement after being charged with attempted murder following a July 29, 2026, incident near Fisher Island, Florida. Investigators alleged that Simpson approached another vessel during Florida's lobster mini season, claimed ownership of the diving area, and shut off a surface-supplied air unit supplying oxygen to an 18-year-old diver. The boat owner retrieved the disoriented diver from the water, and no physical injuries were sustained. Simpson's defense counsel denied the charges, stating that video footage showed an equipment entanglement rather than intentional tampering.
Why this is news
Law enforcement authorities in Miami-Dade County, Florida, arrested 51-year-old Michael Joseph Simpson on an attempted murder charge following an offshore dispute during lobster diving season.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.