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Little Torch Key man dies diving for lobster
A Little Torch Key man is the first Florida Keys fatality of the 2016 lobster mini-season.
William Simko, 60, was scuba diving for lobster on the Gulf side of Cudjoe Key around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in 10 to 12 feet of water when he reportedly “became distressed,” said Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Becky Herrin.
He called for help. His son was on board their vessel with four other people. They jumped into the water and brought him back to the boat, Herrin said.
They began to perform CPR on Simko while calling for assistance on their VHF radio. A Navy helicopter heard the call and responded. The Navy crew picked up Simko and flew him to Lower Keys Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of his death, Herrin said.