Most folks lobstering are preoccupied with trying to make a living, hauling their traps and getting them reset as quickly as possible, occasionally failing to keep a proper watch as they sort the gear. A handful think they own the water and it's your problem to keep clear and will sometimes go out of their way to mess with you. Although Stonington seems to have a preponderance of the latter type this one looks to be more an avoidable accident than malice.