In a dramatic development in the ongoing mystery surrounding the disappearance of two prominent Florida lawyers, authorities have conducted a second thorough search of the abandoned fishing vessel left adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, a well-known personal injury attorney from Fort Myers, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, an associate at a Boca Raton law firm, vanished during a routine fishing trip on December 19, 2025. Now, as the case enters the new year, law enforcement has announced the recovery of significant evidence from their boat, potentially shedding light on what happened to the missing men.

The 42-foot Freeman catamaran, named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” was discovered empty and still running approximately 70 miles offshore west of Fort Myers late on December 19. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly responded, securing the vessel and towing it back to Station Fort Myers Beach for initial examination. At the time, two life jackets were noted as missing, fueling hopes that the experienced boaters had donned them after possibly falling overboard. A massive search ensued, covering thousands of square miles with aircraft, vessels, and volunteer boats, but the Coast Guard suspended active rescue operations on December 22 after finding no trace of the men.

The case then shifted to the FBI, which took over as a federal missing persons investigation. Sources indicate that the boat underwent further forensic analysis over the subsequent days. On January 2, 2026, authorities revealed that a renewed search of the vessel yielded important evidence – details of which have not been fully disclosed to avoid compromising the probe. Investigators are examining items that could indicate foul play, an accident, or other scenarios, including potential signs of struggle or mechanical issues.

Family members remain devastated yet hopeful. Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife, has publicly expressed gratitude for the exhaustive efforts while holding onto optimism. Spivey’s wife, Tricia, described her husband as a cautious and seasoned boater with decades of experience in Gulf waters. Both men were passionate about fishing, and the trip was meant to be a short daytime outing. Friends and colleagues portray them as dedicated professionals – Spivey known for high-profile injury cases, and Billmaier following in his uncle’s footsteps in the legal field.

The disappearance has gripped Southwest Florida communities, with volunteers from across the state aiding early searches. Theories range from a tragic man-overboard incident – possibly one falling in and the other attempting rescue while the engine remained engaged – to less likely possibilities given the men’s expertise. No distress signals were received, and the boat’s emergency beacon remained aboard.

As the FBI leads the inquiry, the newly seized evidence marks a potential turning point. Analysts are processing forensics, including digital data from onboard devices and physical traces. While the men remain missing, this discovery offers a glimmer of progress in unraveling one of the region’s most baffling maritime mysteries. Families and the public await further updates, hoping for answers and closure in 2026.