The disappearance of two Florida fishermen, Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, during a routine outing in the Gulf of Mexico has taken on new dimensions with insights from Billmaier’s wife, Deborah, shedding light on what investigators believe may have transpired. The men set off from Fort Myers on December 19, 2025, for what was supposed to be a day of fishing, but when they failed to return, a massive search ensued. Their 42-foot boat was later found adrift approximately 70 miles offshore, engine still running and eerily empty, prompting questions about the sequence of events that led to their vanishing.

Deborah Billmaier, speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, shared the U.S. Coast Guard’s working theory in an emotional interview. According to her, rescuers suspect one of the men may have fallen overboard while the vessel was in motion. The second man, in a desperate bid to assist, likely jumped into the water—unaware that the boat’s engine was still engaged, causing it to continue forward and drift away from them. “So, they jumped in the water, and the boat was still going, kept moving away from them,” Deborah recounted, her voice steady but laced with grief. She emphasized the impossibility of catching up to the moving craft in open water, a scenario that aligns with the boat’s discovery far from shore.

The last communication Deborah received from her husband added a poignant layer to the tragedy. On the morning of December 19, Brandon sent a text message assuring her of his safe return: “I love you, and I’ll see you tonight. I’ll be back home tonight.” The message, shared by Deborah amid the search efforts, has resonated with the community, underscoring the sudden and unforeseen nature of the disappearance. Brandon, a trial attorney at Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, and Spivey, a prominent personal injury lawyer at Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers, were known for their close family ties and shared love of fishing. The duo often ventured out together, making this trip seem routine until it wasn’t.

The alarm was raised when the men did not return by evening, prompting family members to contact authorities. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a comprehensive search operation on December 20, covering over 6,700 square miles—an area roughly the size of Connecticut—using helicopters, boats, and fixed-wing aircraft. “We saturated the area with assets,” said Chief Warrant Officer Paul Rocuant, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, in a December 22 briefing. Despite the exhaustive efforts, which included collaboration with local agencies and commercial vessels, no signs of the men were found beyond the abandoned boat.

The vessel’s condition provided key clues. Discovered unmanned with the engine idling, it suggested a sudden mishap rather than mechanical failure. Items like fishing gear and personal belongings remained onboard, but life jackets and emergency beacons were absent, indicating the men may not have had time to deploy them. Coast Guard officials noted the Gulf’s unpredictable currents and weather, with water temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit potentially leading to hypothermia within hours. “Survival time in those conditions is limited,” Rocuant explained, citing factors like sea state and the men’s physical condition as reasons for suspending the active search at sundown on December 22.

Following the suspension, the case transitioned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a missing persons inquiry. The FBI’s involvement, confirmed on December 23, stems from the interstate nature of the waters and potential jurisdictional overlaps, though no foul play has been alleged. “We’re treating this as a standard missing persons case,” an FBI spokesperson told local media, declining to elaborate on active leads. The shift allows for broader investigative tools, including analysis of phone records, financials, and witness statements, though family members insist there’s no evidence of criminal activity.

Deborah Billmaier’s revelations have provided some solace amid the uncertainty. In her statements, she highlighted the men’s experience as boaters, suggesting the accident was a tragic fluke rather than negligence. “They knew the water, but accidents happen,” she said, echoing sentiments from Spivey’s firm, which released a statement mourning the loss. Shiner Law Group, where Billmaier worked, also issued a tribute: “We are deeply saddened by the disappearance of Brandon and his uncle, Randy. Our thoughts are with their families during this difficult time.”

The community has rallied in support. Vigils in Fort Myers drew hundreds, with candles lit along the Caloosahatchee River. Online fundraisers for search efforts and family support have raised over $100,000 as of January 9, 2026, with contributions from fellow attorneys and fishing enthusiasts. “Randy was a pillar in our legal community,” said colleague Kevin Shiner, praising Spivey’s dedication to personal injury cases. Billmaier, similarly respected, was remembered for his courtroom tenacity and family devotion.

Boating safety experts have weighed in, noting the Gulf’s hazards. “Unattended vessels can drift miles quickly,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Recommendations include kill switches and emergency protocols, though it’s unclear if the boat had such features. The incident recalls similar cases, like the 2022 disappearance of four fishermen off Venice, Florida, where rough seas were blamed.

As the FBI probes, families urge vigilance for any debris or sightings. “We’re not giving up hope,” Deborah said, her voice a beacon for others. The Coast Guard encourages reporting anomalies to 305-415-6800.

This Christmas tragedy underscores life’s fragility on the water. As investigations continue, Spivey and Billmaier’s loved ones hold onto memories, waiting for answers in the vast Gulf.