No New Developments in Mysterious Disappearance of Attorneys Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier in Gulf of Mexico
As of December 25, 2025, the case of missing Florida attorneys Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, remains shrouded in mystery with no significant updates reported since the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search and rescue operations on December 22. The two men, both experienced boaters and avid fishermen, vanished during a deep-sea fishing trip, leaving behind an empty, drifting high-tech vessel that has baffled investigators and captivated the Southwest Florida community.
The pair departed early on December 19 from Spivey's waterfront home in Iona, Fort Myers, aboard the 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull” (sometimes referred to as “Unstoppable” in reports). Equipped with advanced navigation systems, quadruple outboard engines, and safety features typical of a high-end fishing boat, the vessel was designed for offshore adventures. They planned to target bottom fish approximately 70-100 miles west in the Gulf of Mexico and return by evening. When they failed to come home or respond to calls, families alerted authorities around 9 p.m., prompting an immediate response.
The breakthrough—and the heart of the enigma—came early on December 20 when a Coast Guard helicopter spotted the boat adrift about 70 miles offshore, near Marco Island. The vessel was found upright, engines idling, in gear, with no visible damage. Critically, it was unoccupied. Two life jackets were missing, sparking initial hope that the men had donned them and entered the water voluntarily, perhaps in a rescue attempt. However, the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)—a critical distress device—was still aboard and unregistered, meaning no automatic alert was sent.
This discovery launched one of the most extensive search efforts in recent regional history. Over three days, the Coast Guard, supported by Lee County Sheriff's Office, multiple air stations (Clearwater and Miami), cutters, aircraft, and hundreds of civilian volunteers, scoured more than 6,700 square nautical miles. Private boaters and pilots from across Florida and beyond coordinated via social media, dropping holiday plans to assist. Deborah Billmaier, Brandon's wife, posted urgent pleas for help, sharing search grids and expressing gratitude to “local heroes.”
Despite the monumental effort, no trace of the men was found. At sunset on December 22, the Coast Guard suspended operations, a decision described as one of the hardest by Captain Jason Sergent. In a joint statement, the families expressed profound gratitude and acceptance: “If Randy and Brandon were on the surface of the water, they would have been found.” They emphasized the men's commitment to safety and noted that both would support ending the active search to prevent further risk to rescuers.
The investigation quickly transitioned to the FBI, which took over the missing persons case—a standard move for unexplained offshore disappearances involving potential federal jurisdiction. Sheriff Carmine Marceno confirmed the handover, citing the FBI's advanced resources for forensic analysis and determining the sequence of events. While no foul play has been indicated, the circumstances defy typical boating accidents: no distress call, no EPIRB activation, a running boat in gear, and experienced operators aboard a state-of-the-art vessel.
Speculation has centered on a sudden man-overboard scenario—perhaps one man fell in while fishing, and the other attempted a rescue, leading to both entering the water. The Gulf's strong currents could quickly separate individuals from the boat. Weather conditions on December 19 were reportedly calm, with no severe storms noted, adding to the puzzle.
Randall Spivey, founder of the Spivey Law Firm, was a pillar of the Fort Myers legal community, known for representing injury victims over three decades. Friends described him as meticulous and safety-oriented. Brandon Billmaier, a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, was following in his uncle's footsteps, recently married and described as a “light in this world.” Their outing was a cherished uncle-nephew bonding trip.
On Christmas Eve, Deborah Billmaier shared an emotional interview, clinging to hope for a “miracle” while finding solace in knowing Brandon spent his final known hours doing what he loved: fishing with family. The Shiner Law Group reiterated prayers for both men.
Claims circulating online or in unverified sources about “strange recorded voices,” dramatic GPS route changes in the final minutes, or forensic traces on the steering wheel revealing a chain of errors have not been corroborated by any official statements or reputable news outlets as of December 25. The boat was towed to Fort Myers Beach for examination, but details from the ongoing FBI investigation remain confidential.
This tragedy highlights the Gulf of Mexico's unforgiving nature, even for seasoned mariners with top-tier equipment. It has united a community in grief and admiration for two men dedicated to justice and family.
The FBI continues to lead the probe. Anyone with information should contact local authorities or the FBI tip line. For now, on this Christmas Day, families and friends hold vigil, awaiting answers in a case that continues to defy explanation.