The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) clarified an incident involving divers, stating it was not tied to a boating accident. A man named Michael Simpson is accused of cutting off a diver’s air supply following a dispute over a diving spot during lobster mini-season.
On July 29, near Fisher Island, Simpson allegedly turned off a diving system’s air supply after becoming upset. Although Simpson claimed he was ‘cleared’ minutes after, the FWC confirmed it referred the case to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) for investigation. The FWC officers found Simpson’s boat and conducted interviews.
According to an arrest report, around 5:30 a.m., a diver went underwater at a popular lobster-diving location. The diver’s boat captain warned a 39-foot contender to avoid disrupting a Brownie diving system, a floating compressor that supplies air through hoses to divers. Simpson, from the contender, allegedly shouted that he would switch it off and subsequently did.
The diver surfaced due to quick reactions from the first boat’s captain, who pulled him up using the Brownie’s air hose after it was shut off. Witnesses reported that the diver appeared confused and was gasping for air.
Simpson’s Background and Task Force Involvement
Michael Simpson is associated with the Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force in Miami-Dade County. This group, created after a fatal boat crash in Biscayne Bay, aims to enhance boating safety education. The task force released a report suggesting enhanced safety measures.
Additionally, Simpson owns Island Queen Cruises & Tours, offering various excursions in and around Miami. A family statement emphasized Simpson’s dedication to boating safety, portraying him as a responsible boater looking forward to clearing his name in court.
Simpson’s position on the task force and his ownership of a cruise company highlight his integration in the boating community. The incident reflects the tension and risks associated with competitive diving spots during busy seasons.
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