The disappearance of Randy Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, during a deep-sea fishing trip off the Florida coast has taken a heartbreaking turn. On December 19, 2025, the two experienced anglers set out from Fort Myers aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, “Unstopp-A-Bull,” for what was meant to be a routine outing about 100 miles offshore. They were expected back by sunset, but as night fell without any sign of them, panic set in among their families.

By early Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard located the vessel adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers, upright and in gear, but eerily empty. No trace of Spivey or Billmaier was found onboard, though two life jackets were missing—a glimmer of hope that they might have donned them before whatever catastrophe struck. The men, both accomplished attorneys—Spivey a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Fort Myers and Billmaier a rising trial attorney at a Boca Raton firm—were known for their love of the sea. Family described them as safety-conscious, with decades of fishing experience between them.

An extensive search ensued, involving Coast Guard helicopters, boats, and aircraft, alongside dozens of volunteer vessels from across Florida and beyond. Families coordinated efforts via social media, sharing search grids and pleading for help. Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife, called it a “nightmare, like a horror movie,” while Spivey’s relatives emphasized his role as a mentor and father figure to his nephew.

Despite exhaustive efforts covering vast areas of the Gulf, the Coast Guard suspended active searching at sunset on December 22, citing the enormous resources already deployed and the low likelihood of finding survivors on the surface after days in harsh conditions. The FBI stepped in to assist, exploring any potential foul play, though no evidence of that has emerged. Families expressed gratitude for the heroic efforts but devastation at the outcome, with many holding onto slim hopes for a miracle even as Christmas approached without answers.

Now, in the latest police update as of December 26, 2025, divers have reportedly spotted a mysterious object at a staggering depth of 273 meters (nearly 900 feet)—far beyond typical recreational diving limits. This chilling discovery has dashed remaining optimism, suggesting the men’s lives may be tragically entombed in the ocean’s depths. The Gulf of Mexico in that area plunges to extreme depths, where strong currents, sudden weather changes, or equipment failure could pull victims down rapidly. Experts note that bottom fishing, which the pair was engaged in, carries risks like entanglement or rapid sinking if something goes wrong.

The families, shattered by grief, continue to seek closure. Spivey leaves behind a wife, children, and a legacy in law, while newlywed Billmaier was building his career inspired by his uncle. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the Gulf’s unforgiving nature, even for seasoned boaters. Authorities are investigating further, but for now, the sea holds its secrets tight.