A large search operation is underway off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida, for two fishermen who went missing after their boat was found abandoned at sea. The missing men have been identified as 57-year-old Randall Spivey and his nephew, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier.
According to family members, the pair left early Friday morning for a fishing trip and were expected to return later that afternoon. When neither man returned home or responded to calls by the evening, relatives reported them missing.
🚨MISSING ADULTS – FORT MYERS🚨
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating missing adults, 57-year-old Randall Spivey (pictured 1st) and 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier (pictured 2nd) pic.twitter.com/DLVqqLinj0
— Carmine Marceno – Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) December 20, 2025
Boat Found 70 Miles Offshore
By around 7:30 p.m. Friday, families had not heard from either man. Later that night, the U.S. Coast Guard deployed a helicopter at about 11 p.m. as part of the search effort.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday, family members were notified that the men’s vessel had been located roughly 70 miles offshore, but Spivey and Billmaier were not on board, according to a report cited by Fox News.
Family Plea as Search Continues
The disappearance has prompted emotional appeals from family members. Tricia Spivey, Randall Spivey’s wife, spoke to WBBH-TV, urging rescuers to continue searching.
“We’ve gotta find them. Please. Please, please find them,” she said. “They’re amazing people. I just need him back. He needs to come back to us.”
Relatives have also asked the public to keep the men in their prayers and to help spread awareness as the search continues.
US Coast Guard Leading Rescue Effort
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search and coordinating air and sea resources in the Gulf waters where the boat was found. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 866-881-1392.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said additional updates will be provided by the Coast Guard as the operation continues.
Descriptions of the Missing Fishermen
Authorities have released physical descriptions to assist the search:
- Randall Spivey: 6-foot-1, brown hair, brown eyes. Last seen wearing khaki pants and a dark-colored shirt.
- Brandon Billmaier: 6-foot-2, strawberry-blond hair, brown eyes. Clothing details were not released.
Officials have also asked anyone with information about the men’s whereabouts to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000, 911, or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
