Fort Myers, Florida – A massive search operation is underway in the Gulf of Mexico for prominent local attorney Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, who vanished during what was supposed to be a routine fishing trip. The two men set out early on Friday morning, December 19, 2025, aboard a 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull” from a private residence in Fort Myers. They were expected to return by sunset, but when they failed to arrive or make contact, family members raised the alarm around 9 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard quickly mobilized, deploying helicopters and vessels after the men were reported missing. In the early hours of Saturday, crews located the boat approximately 70 miles offshore, floating upright and unmanned. Initial reports suggested no immediate signs of distress on the vessel, but the absence of the two experienced boaters has deepened the mystery surrounding their disappearance.

Family members have described the pair as cautious and well-prepared. Randall Spivey, a respected personal injury lawyer and founder of Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers, has decades of fishing experience in the Gulf waters. His wife, Tricia, emphasized his safety-conscious nature, noting that he always prioritized precautions on the water. Brandon Billmaier, who lives in Weston and also works in law, had texted loved ones that morning expressing excitement for the trip and promising a safe return.

As the search entered its fourth day, authorities clarified that the men were not scuba diving as initially speculated but were instead deep-sea fishing. They were en route back to shore when something went wrong. Adding to the intrigue, search teams discovered a single flip-flop believed to belong to one of the men, floating about 12 nautical miles from the boat’s location. This clue has fueled speculation about a possible man-overboard incident, though no distress signals were received, and the boat’s emergency beacon remained onboard and inactive.

The operation has grown into one of the largest community-driven searches in Southwest Florida history. The Coast Guard is coordinating with local agencies, private aircraft, and hundreds of volunteer boaters who have formed an armada to scour vast areas of the Gulf. Friends and neighbors have rallied, sharing coordinates and organizing efforts through social media groups. The community’s outpouring reflects Spivey’s reputation as a dedicated family man and advocate who has helped countless locals over the years.

Weather conditions in the Gulf have been challenging, with currents and winds potentially carrying debris or survivors far from the original site. Hope remains, but as days pass, families grow increasingly anxious. “They’re amazing people – we just need them back,” Tricia Spivey shared in emotional pleas for information.

Authorities urge anyone with details to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or the Coast Guard. The search continues relentlessly, with fresh crews rotating in to cover the expansive waters.