Scuba Attacker Charged with Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor Charge for Jay Lovell's Underwater Attack of Rene Umberger

By UWPG News, August 1, 2014

In May, the Underwater Photography Guide learned that environmental activist Rene Umberger had been victim of a potentially lethal underwater attack while filming aquarium fish collectors taking fish from the reef off Kona, Hawaii.

Rene and several other divers had been filming the duo in 50ft of water when Jay Lovell stopped his work and swam rapidly towards her, forcefully removing her regulator from her mouth. Scott Gietler interviewed Rene shortly after the incident to learn exactly what happened (see links below).

Fish collecting for the aquarium trade is not illegal and actually very unrestricted once proper permits are obtained, however Kona's reefs are feeling this impact greatly and popular aquarium fish populations are becomming scarce.

Watch the Video of the Underwater Attack

Read Scott's interview with Rene after the Attack

West Hawaii Today reports that the Prosecuting Attorney's Office has filed a second-degree terroristic threatening charge against Lovell with an arraignment hearing scheduled for next month in the Kona District Court.

To learn more about the aquarium fish trade, please visit ForTheFishes.org.

Further Reading

• Scuba Diver Attacked: Interview with Rene Umberger

• Incredible Video: Swimming with Dolphins in Hawaii

• Underwater Photography Basics & Learning Guide

Where to Buy

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