🚨 UPDATE: Uncle and Nephew Vanish at Sea – Empty Boat Found 70 Miles Offshore, Massive Search Continues Amid Heart-Wrenching Family Pleas!

A prominent Fort Myers attorney and his nephew set out for a routine fishing trip… but their 42-foot boat was discovered drifting alone in the Gulf, engine running, no one aboard – and now a desperate multi-day rescue operation is racing against time!

Randall Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33, vanished Friday, leaving behind devastated wives and kids begging for answers. Missing life jackets offer a sliver of hope… but with rough seas and no distress signal, fears are mounting. Volunteers are flooding the waters – is this a freak accident or something more sinister?

The family’s raw heartbreak will shatter you – click for the latest chilling details before it’s too late! 👇

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its active search for Fort Myers attorney Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, after an exhaustive four-day effort failed to locate the two men who vanished during a fishing trip off the Southwest Florida coast.

The decision came at sunset on Monday, December 22, following the discovery of their empty 42-foot Freeman boat, named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” drifting approximately 70 miles offshore early Saturday morning. The vessel was found upright, still in gear and running, with no immediate signs of damage or distress.

Spivey, founder and president of the Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers, and Billmaier, an attorney with the Shiner Law Group based in Weston, Florida, departed early Friday, December 19, from a private dock on the 15000 block of Intracoastal Court in the Iona area of Fort Myers. The pair, described by family as experienced boaters and avid fishermen, planned a deep-sea trip and were expected to return by late afternoon or early evening.

When they failed to check in, family members reported them missing around 9 p.m. that night. The Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg immediately launched air and surface assets, including helicopters from Air Station Clearwater and boats from Station Fort Myers Beach.

A Coast Guard helicopter located the vessel around midnight on Saturday, deploying a rescue swimmer to anchor it and prevent further drift. Notably absent from the boat were several life jackets, leading search coordinators to speculate that the men may have been wearing them at the time of whatever incident occurred.

Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife, shared updates on social media throughout the weekend, expressing profound heartbreak while coordinating volunteer efforts. “I am heartbroken posting this,” she wrote initially. “My husband, Brandon, went out fishing yesterday with his uncle off the coast of Fort Myers.” She later noted the boat’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) remained onboard, meaning no automatic distress signal was transmitted.

Family members organized one of the largest civilian search operations in recent Southwest Florida history, with dozens of private boats and aircraft joining official efforts. Volunteers departed from ports ranging from Punta Gorda to Marco Island, following grids provided by the Coast Guard. Deborah Billmaier urged those with vessels capable of a 225-mile range to assist, providing a contact number for coordination.

Tricia Spivey, Randall’s wife and a fellow attorney at the firm, spoke to local media about her husband’s character. “He’s an amazing husband, an amazing father,” she said. “He’s dedicated his life to helping other people as an attorney.” She emphasized that Spivey was a cautious and experienced boater, making the disappearance all the more baffling.

The search covered approximately 6,700 square miles – an area roughly the size of Connecticut – involving multiple Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, and partner agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments. On-scene conditions included winds around 10 mph and seas of about 3 feet.

Lt. Amy Harrison, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, stated: “The Coast Guard diligently searched with our pilots, boat forces, cutter crews, and numerous partners. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Spivey and Mr. Billmaier during this extremely difficult time.”

While the official Coast Guard search has been suspended, family members indicated they may continue private efforts. The FBI has taken over the missing persons investigation, though no foul play is suspected at this time.

The Freeman 42, a high-performance catamaran popular among serious offshore anglers, is known for its stability and range, making it suitable for trips far into the Gulf. Reviews highlight its ability to handle rough conditions, though some note the importance of secure footing on deck during heavy seas.

Speculation about the incident has centered on possible accidents, such as one man falling overboard and the other attempting a rescue, or an unexpected medical emergency. The boat was reportedly in good condition, with no visible structural issues.

Spivey, a board-certified civil trial lawyer, has practiced in Fort Myers for decades, specializing in personal injury cases. Billmaier, his nephew through family ties, shared a passion for fishing and the outdoors. The two often took trips together, according to relatives.

Community response was overwhelming, with hundreds offering support online and in person. Deborah Billmaier repeatedly thanked volunteers: “Thank you to all the local heroes who are working to bring my husband Brandon and uncle Randy home. They have not yet been found, but we are staying positive.”

Randall Spivey’s son, in interviews, expressed hope based on the missing life jackets and his father’s expertise. “My dad is the safest, most experienced boater that you could imagine,” he said, adding that something catastrophic must have occurred for both men to end up in the water.

As of Tuesday, December 23, no new sightings or debris have been reported. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Coast Guard at 866-881-1392 or local law enforcement.

The suspension of the search marks a somber turn in what began as a hopeful rescue mission. The families of Spivey and Billmaier, both well-respected in legal and local circles, now face an uncertain future amid profound grief.

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of offshore boating, even for seasoned individuals. Safety experts stress the importance of personal locator beacons, regular check-ins, and wearing life jackets at all times.

The Southwest Florida community, known for its tight-knit boating culture, has rallied around the families, with tributes and messages of support flooding social media.

No further details on potential recovery efforts or investigations have been released as of publication.