In a baffling case that has gripped Southwest Florida, prominent attorney Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, vanished during a routine fishing trip in December 2025. The two men, both experienced boaters and successful lawyers, set out from Fort Myers on the morning of December 19 aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, dubbed “Unstopp-A-Bull.” They were expected back by evening, but they never returned, sparking a massive search operation.

Family members raised the alarm that night when the pair failed to check in. Spivey, a well-known personal injury lawyer in Fort Myers, and Billmaier, a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, were described as close-knit, with the trip meant to be a relaxing day on the Gulf of Mexico. Initial reports suggested they headed toward areas near Naples and Marco Island for offshore fishing.

The breakthrough came early on December 21 when the U.S. Coast Guard located the vessel approximately 70-75 miles (about 120 km) offshore, drifting unmanned in the Gulf. A GPS tracking device on board helped pinpoint its location, revealing how far the boat had traveled from the last known position. Shockingly, the catamaran was found upright and intact, with engines off but no immediate signs of major damage or struggle. Personal items remained aboard, but crucially, two life vests were missing, hinting that the men may have entered the water intentionally or been forced to abandon ship.

Adding to the intrigue, a dashcam from a nearby anchored fishing boat captured disturbing footage around the area where the vessel was discovered. The video reportedly shows eerie scenes of the empty boat drifting silently in rough seas, with unexplained shadows and movements that have fueled speculation online. Witnesses described it as “horrifying,” with waves rocking the abandoned craft under a darkening sky, evoking fears of a sudden accident or foul play.

The Coast Guard launched an extensive search covering thousands of square miles, involving helicopters, boats, and volunteer vessels from the community. Despite these efforts, no trace of Spivey or Billmaier was found. By December 23, the active search was suspended at sunset, a decision described as one of the hardest for authorities. The case then shifted to the FBI, which took over the investigation into the mysterious disappearance, exploring possibilities ranging from accidental overboard falls due to heavy seas to other unexplained scenarios.

Families remain devastated. Spivey’s wife and Billmaier’s relatives expressed heartbreak but held onto hope initially, organizing private searches. The boating community in Southwest Florida rallied, with groups sharing coordinates and urging vigilance. As weeks passed into early 2026, questions linger: What caused two skilled men to vanish from a sturdy boat? Did a rogue wave or mechanical issue play a role? The dashcam footage has only intensified public curiosity, turning this into one of Florida’s most puzzling maritime mysteries.

Authorities continue to appeal for any information, reminding boaters of the Gulf’s unpredictable dangers. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine outings can turn tragic on open water.v