Black Box Data Rumors Unfounded: No Evidence of Recorded Conversation, Splashes, or Radar Revelation in Missing Boaters Case

As 2025 draws to a close, sensational claims have circulated online suggesting that “black box data” from the 42-foot Freeman boat Unstopp-A-Bull revealed a quiet conversation between Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier abruptly ending with noise, followed by search teams hearing “five loud splashes” at the stern, and a “worst-case scenario” appearing on radar.

However, these dramatic details appear to be entirely unsubstantiated rumors or misinformation. No credible news reports, official statements from the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, or family members mention any black box recorder, audio data, splash sounds, or specific radar anomalies tied to the disappearance of the two Florida attorneys.

The case of Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33 — who vanished during a fishing trip on December 19, 2025 — remains a heartbreaking mystery, with the official search suspended and an ongoing FBI investigation treating it as a missing persons case.

The Disappearance: What We Know

Randall “Randy” Spivey, a prominent Fort Myers personal injury attorney, and Brandon Billmaier, a Boca Raton-based trial lawyer who followed in his uncle's footsteps, set out early on December 19 from Spivey's waterfront home in Fort Myers aboard the green 42-foot Freeman catamaran named Unstopp-A-Bull (also referred to in some reports as Unstoppable).

The experienced boaters planned a day trip offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 70-100 miles west of Naples/Fort Myers. They were expected to return by sunset, but when no contact was made by evening, families alerted authorities around 9 p.m.

A massive search ensued, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Lee County Sheriff's Office, volunteers, aircraft, and boats. At midnight on December 20, a Coast Guard helicopter located the vessel adrift about 70 miles offshore — engine running, still in gear, fishing lines deployed, but completely empty.

Notably, two life jackets were missing, offering a glimmer of hope that the men may have donned them before entering the water. No distress call was received, the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was not activated, and there were no signs of foul play or structural damage reported.

The Coast Guard suspended its active search at sunset on December 22 after covering thousands of square miles, citing safety risks to searchers in deteriorating conditions. The FBI has since assumed lead on the missing persons investigation.

As of December 31, 2025, Spivey and Billmaier remain missing, presumed lost at sea in what appears to be a tragic accident — possibly a man-overboard incident involving both men.

Debunking the Viral Claims

The specific elements in circulating headlines — a “black box” capturing conversation ending in noise, “five loud splashes” heard by search teams, and a radar screen revealing the “worst-case scenario” — do not appear in any verified reporting.

• Black Box Data/Conversation: Recreational boats like the Freeman 42 do not typically carry aviation-style black boxes or voice recorders. While some vessels have Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) for commercial ships, this fishing catamaran had none reported. GPS tracking data was used to narrow potential overboard locations, but no audio or conversational evidence has been mentioned.
• Five Loud Splashes: No accounts from Coast Guard crews, volunteers, or officials describe hearing splashes upon approaching the vessel. The boat was found unmanned and drifting silently, with rescue swimmers boarding to secure it.
• Radar Revelation: Radar and satellite imagery aided the search, but no “worst-case” visual on screens (e.g., men in water or objects falling) has been disclosed. Theories suggest a sudden event — perhaps a rogue wave, medical emergency, or attempt to free tangled lines — led both overboard, preventing them from reaching safety equipment.

Families and experts emphasize the men's experience and the boat's seaworthiness, making the incident even more perplexing. Spivey's son described his father as “the safest, most experienced boater,” calling any scenario leading to both men overboard “one-in-a-million.”

Family Heartbreak and Community Response

The disappearance has devastated loved ones. Tricia Spivey, Randall's wife, pleaded for his return, calling him safety-conscious. Deborah Billmaier, Brandon's wife, expressed gratitude for search efforts while holding onto hope, noting her husband lived for fishing and family.

Statements from the Shiner Law Group, where Brandon worked, and Spivey's firm highlighted their dedication as attorneys helping injured clients. Volunteers from across Florida joined the search, underscoring community support.

In the absence of bodies or further evidence, the case evokes comparisons to other Gulf man-overboard tragedies, often attributed to unexpected waves or mishaps during fishing.

Ongoing Investigation and Caution Against Misinformation

The FBI's involvement reflects standard protocol for offshore missing persons, exploring all angles — though accident remains the prevailing theory.

Viral rumors risk causing additional pain to families and distracting from facts. Authorities urge relying on official updates.

As the new year begins, hope lingers for closure. The Gulf of Mexico, vast and unpredictable, has claimed two lives in a mystery without dramatic “black box” revelations — just a silent, empty boat drifting under the stars.

The true story is one of loss: two devoted family men, passionate fishermen, gone too soon on a routine outing. Their legacy endures in the lives they touched, far beyond unsubstantiated splashes or radar ghosts.