A 51-year-old man is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder after allegedly turning off a teenager's air supply while the teen was diving for lobsters in Miami waters—an action that authorities claim put the young diver's life in serious danger.
The suspect, identified as Michael Joseph Simpson Jr. from Miami Beach, was taken into custody following the incident on July 29 near Fisher Island during Florida's spiny lobster mini-season, a time when recreational boating activity is especially high, according to ABC News.
The arrest affidavit from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office indicates that Captain Steven Del Sol had his boat anchored in the area when Simpson's vessel approached rapidly and began circling.
At the time, a teenager from Del Sol's group was underwater using a surface-supplied air system known as a "third lung," specifically Brownie's Third Lung, which involves a compressor floating on the surface delivering air to the diver through a hose.
Escalating Tensions at Sea
The investigation reveals that Simpson anchored his boat mere meters from the other vessel and, along with his companions, insisted that the diving spot was theirs, sparking a dispute between the two crews.
Tensions mounted further when a second boat affiliated with Simpson, a 40-foot powerboat, arrived on the scene, and its divers began descending into the same area.
Del Sol reported having to warn one of the minors from the second group to stay clear of the air system since it was in use by another diver below the surface.
A Dangerous Situation Unfolds
According to court documents, it was at this point that Simpson reportedly lost his temper.
Witnesses, including the diving teenager's parents, claim they saw Simpson swim over to the device and intentionally turn off the air compressor supplying air to the young diver.
Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, those on the boat began shouting frantically, "We've got a diver down there!"
Del Sol immediately dived into the water to rescue the teenager. When he brought the boy to the surface, the young diver was tangled in the air hose and anchor line.
Del Sol described the teen as "gasping, disoriented, and unsure of what had happened."
Legal Proceedings and Controversy
A cellphone video aired by WSVN, an ABC News affiliate, shows Simpson swimming away from the device before returning to his vessel amid shouts from people on the other boat.
Authorities reported that Simpson left the scene before deputies arrived. He turned himself in voluntarily on August 4, six days after the incident.
Initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, Simpson's charge was reduced to attempted second-degree murder during a bond hearing by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer.
"This is a very serious matter, someone trying to turn off someone else's air tank while they are swimming, diving," remarked the judge, setting bail at $10,000, which Simpson posted to secure his release while legal proceedings continue.
The case has sparked additional controversy as Miami-Dade County confirmed that Simpson was a volunteer member of the Bayside Safety and Education Task Force, an organization established to promote waterway safety.
A statement from the county mayor's office declared that the alleged behavior is "contrary to that mission."
Defense attorney Howard Srebnick denied the allegations, stating that his client intends to plead not guilty.
"He never touched the tank, and the claim that he was involved in turning it off is simply false," asserted the lawyer.
Questions About the Diving Incident in Miami
What charges is Michael Joseph Simpson Jr. facing?
Michael Joseph Simpson Jr. is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder for allegedly turning off a teenager's air supply while diving.
What equipment was the teenager using while diving?
The teenager was using a surface-supplied air system known as a "third lung," specifically Brownie's Third Lung, which involves a compressor that floats on the surface and delivers air to the diver through a hose.
How did the legal proceedings progress for Simpson?
Simpson was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, but during a bond hearing, the charge was reduced to attempted second-degree murder. Bail was set at $10,000, which Simpson posted to be released while the case continues.