The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for two fishermen who disappeared during a trip off the Southwest Florida coastline. Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, were reported missing on December 19 after failing to return from their fishing expedition.
Search Operations Underway
Coast Guard crews discovered the men's 42-foot Freeman vessel named "Unstopp-A-Bull" floating approximately 70 miles east of Naples. The boat was found upright with no signs of the missing individuals aboard.
"USCG crews and partner agencies are continuing the search through the night by air and by sea," the Coast Guard posted on X.
Family members have organized volunteer search efforts scheduled to begin on Monday morning, December 22. Volunteers have been instructed to monitor Channel 16 and report any findings to Coast Guard authorities.
Details About the Missing Men
According to Luis Garcia, supervisor on watch for the Coast Guard sector in St. Petersburg, the men were reported missing around 9 p.m. on Friday, December 19.
Spivey is a board-certified civil trial attorney based in Fort Myers and president of his own law firm. His wife Tricia Spivey described both men as experienced fishermen.
"That's their love," she said. "My husband's been fishing for over 30 years. They love fishing. He's the most safety-prone person."
The Lee County Sheriff's Office has released physical descriptions of both men and is requesting public assistance in locating them.
How to Assist in the Search
Authorities have established multiple contact methods for anyone with information about the missing boaters:
• U.S. Coast Guard: 866-881-1392
• Lee County Sheriff's Office: 239-477-1000
• SWFL Crime Stoppers: 1-800-780-TIPS (for anonymous tips)
Deborah Billmaier, Brandon's wife, has requested assistance from boat owners with vessels capable of 225-mile ranges. Volunteers should text 239-634-3400 with their vessel details and departure information.
"Thank you to all the local heroes who are working to bring my husband Brandon and uncle Randy home," Deborah Billmaier said in her post. "They have not yet been found, but we are staying positive."
The Coast Guard has cautioned against uncoordinated search efforts that could create safety hazards and complicate rescue operations.
