Full Breakdown
Search Intensifies for Missing Florida Fishermen
12/23/2025, 1:26:45 AM
Disappearance During Fishing Trip
On December 19, 2025, two attorneys, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, went missing during a fishing trip off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida. The pair departed early that morning aboard a 42-foot Freeman boat named "Unstopp-A-Bull," intending to fish approximately 102 miles offshore. They were expected to return by late afternoon, but when they failed to do so, family members contacted the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) around 7:30 PM. An emergency search operation was initiated shortly thereafter.
Discovery of the Empty Vessel
The USCG located the empty boat early on December 20, approximately 70 miles from the coast, with its engine still running and in gear. The boat's Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was activated, but no signs of Spivey or Billmaier were found. The search area has since expanded, involving multiple aircraft and vessels from the USCG and local volunteers. Capt. Corrie Sergent of the USCG stated, "Today, we continue to search with air and surface crews, pursuing all leads and saturating the search area."
Community Response and Search Efforts
Family members, particularly Billmaier's wife, Deborah, have actively sought assistance from the community, urging boaters with vessels capable of a 225-mile range to join the search. Deborah expressed her gratitude for the local support, stating, "Thank you to all the local heroes who are working to bring my husband Brandon and uncle Randy home." The search has garnered significant community involvement, with hundreds of volunteers mobilizing to assist.
Official Statements and Search Coordination
The USCG has warned that uncoordinated search efforts could hinder rescue operations. They have requested that volunteers monitor Channel 16 and report any relevant information to the USCG. The Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is also involved in the search, appealing for public assistance in locating the missing men. Authorities have provided descriptions: Spivey is 6'1", 245 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, while Billmaier is 6'2", 250 pounds, with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the extensive search efforts, concerns remain regarding the safety of the missing men. Family members have expressed their heartbreak and desperation, with Deborah stating, "It feels like I’m in a horror movie." The emotional toll on the families is compounded by the timing, as the search occurs just days before Christmas.
What's Next
The search for Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier continues, with the USCG and community volunteers committed to locating the missing fishermen. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LCSO at 239-477-1000 or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS to remain anonymous. The families remain hopeful for their safe return as the search efforts persist.
