In a tragic and baffling incident that has gripped Southwest Florida, prominent attorney Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, disappeared during a deep-sea fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico on December 19, 2025. The two experienced boaters, both respected lawyers, left early that morning from a private dock in Fort Myers aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, “Unstopp-A-Bull,” planning to fish about 100 miles offshore and return by sunset.

Spivey, founder of a successful personal injury law firm in Fort Myers, was an avid outdoorsman known for his dedication to family and safety on the water. His nephew, Billmaier, a trial attorney at a Boca Raton firm who had recently married, often joined him on these trips, viewing his uncle as a mentor and second father figure. Family members describe them as expert fishermen with decades of experience in the Gulf’s challenging waters.

The alarm was raised that evening when the men failed to return. Spivey’s wife reported them missing around 9 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. In a poignant detail shared by Spivey’s daughter, she lost contact with her father approximately one hour before the estimated time of the incident. Moments later, she noticed a brief “red signal” appearing on the boat’s tracking map—a potential distress indicator or glitch—that vanished after just three seconds, leaving no further trace.

Search efforts intensified over the weekend. Using GPS data from the vessel’s tracker, rescuers located the boat early Saturday about 70 miles offshore near Naples. Shockingly, it was found drifting upright, engine running, but completely empty. No signs of struggle were reported, though two life jackets were missing, offering a slim ray of hope that the men may have donned them before entering the water.

A massive operation ensued, one of the largest offshore searches in regional history, covering thousands of square miles with Coast Guard aircraft, cutters, volunteer boats, and private planes. Hundreds rallied to help, coordinated through family updates and social media pleas from loved ones, including Billmaier’s wife, who expressed gratitude for the “local heroes” searching tirelessly.

Despite exhaustive efforts, no trace of the men was found. On December 22, at sunset, the Coast Guard suspended active search operations, citing the vast area covered and environmental challenges. The case has since transitioned to an FBI missing persons investigation, exploring all possibilities in this perplexing disappearance.

Families remain devastated yet grateful for the outpouring of support. Spivey’s son has spoken of his father’s selflessness, while Billmaier’s colleagues praise his kindness and professionalism. As the Gulf keeps its secrets, loved ones cling to hope amid profound grief, wondering what sudden event could have separated two skilled mariners from their vessel in calm conditions.

This mystery underscores the unpredictable dangers of the open sea, even for the most prepared. The community continues to pray for answers and a miracle.