In a tragic turn during the holiday season, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search for two missing Florida attorneys—uncle Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33—after their fishing boat was discovered empty and adrift approximately 70 miles off the southwest Florida coast. What began as a routine deep-sea fishing trip on December 19, 2025, has evolved into a federal missing persons investigation led by the FBI, leaving families, colleagues, and the community grappling with unanswered questions and profound grief.
The men, both experienced in law and passionate about the ocean, departed early that Friday morning from Spivey's home in Iona, near Fort Myers, aboard a 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull” (also referred to as “Unstoppable”). They were expected to return by sunset, but when no contact was made, concerned wives alerted authorities around 9 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Clearwater located the vessel just after midnight on December 20—still in gear, upright, and running, but with no sign of Spivey or Billmaier aboard.
A Massive Search Amid Challenging Conditions
The Coast Guard's response was swift and extensive, covering more than 6,700 square miles—an area roughly the size of Connecticut—over three full days. Multiple aircraft, cutters, and surface crews scoured the Gulf of Mexico, aided by dozens of volunteer boats and planes from across Florida and neighboring states. Search patterns focused on drifting calculations, factoring in strong currents typical of the region and reports of challenging sea conditions.
Rescue teams described encountering powerful currents that could rapidly carry objects or individuals far from their origin point, along with rough seas that complicated visibility and operations. While no specific “unusual waves” were highlighted in official statements, the Gulf's unpredictable winter weather often produces steep swells and swift drifts, especially in deep waters 70-100 miles offshore.
Notably absent from the recovered boat were two life jackets, offering a glimmer of hope to families that the men may have donned them before entering the water—perhaps in response to a sudden emergency like a large wave or mechanical issue. However, no distress signals were received, and the boat showed no obvious signs of damage.
Despite the exhaustive effort, no trace of Spivey or Billmaier was found. At sunset on December 22, the Coast Guard made the agonizing decision to suspend active search and rescue operations. Capt. Corrie Sergent, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, called it “no harder decision,” praising the professionalism of crews, partners, and volunteers while extending condolences to the families.
Who Were Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier?
Randall Spivey, a prominent personal injury attorney in Fort Myers with over 30 years of experience, was described by loved ones as a devoted husband, father, and community pillar who dedicated his career to helping the injured. His wife, Tricia Spivey, tearfully pleaded in early interviews: “Please, please find them. They're amazing people… I just need him back.”
Brandon Billmaier, Spivey's nephew and a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton since August 2023, had recently married and was building a promising career following in his uncle's footsteps. Colleagues at the firm remembered him as an “exceptional person and a great lawyer,” full of light and dedication. His wife, Deborah Billmaier, expressed heartbreak but gratitude for the search efforts, noting in a social media post that the men “would never want anyone else to put their life in danger.”
The uncle-nephew duo shared a love for fishing, often venturing into the Gulf for relaxation and bonding. Friends portrayed them as cautious and prepared boaters, making their disappearance all the more baffling.
Theories and the Shift to FBI Investigation
With the Coast Guard's suspension, the case transitioned to the FBI as a federal missing persons inquiry. Authorities have not indicated foul play, and the absence of distress calls or debris points toward a possible accidental fall overboard—perhaps triggered by a rogue wave, sudden shift in balance while fishing, or an attempt to address an issue on deck.
The Gulf of Mexico's strong Loop Current and eddies can propel drifting objects vast distances quickly, complicating searches. Families were briefed that, given the thorough coverage of probable drift areas, surface sightings would likely have occurred if the men were afloat.
No mentions have emerged of a “lone floating fishing bridge” or similar debris as a specific clue in official reports or family statements. Such details could stem from unverified rumors or misinterpretations of fishing gear (like rods, buoys, or platforms) spotted during the operation, but nothing has been confirmed as a “final, hidden clue” pointing to the men's fate.
The FBI continues to investigate, ready to pursue any leads suggesting criminal elements, though none have surfaced.
Community Response and Lingering Hope
Southwest Florida rallied impressively, with hundreds of volunteers joining the effort despite risks from expanding search zones farther offshore. Prayer vigils, social media campaigns, and statements from the Shiner Law Group underscored the men's impact.
Deborah Billmaier wrote: “While this is heartbreaking, Brandon and Randy would never want anyone else to put their life in danger, and we know they would want this decision to be respected.” The families have requested privacy while clinging to faith and the slim possibility of a miracle.
Spivey is described as 6'1″, 245 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, last seen in khaki pants and a dark shirt. Billmaier is 6'2″, 250 pounds, with strawberry blond hair and brown eyes.
As 2025 draws to a close, this case serves as a somber reminder of the sea's unforgiving power. Boating safety experts stress the importance of EPIRBs, personal locator beacons, and immediate life jacket use in emergencies.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or local authorities. The families, though devastated, express profound thanks to searchers and ask for continued prayers.