In a chilling development on Christmas Day 2025, the FBI has officially launched an investigation into the baffling disappearance of two respected Florida lawyers—uncle Randall Spivey, 57, and nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33—whose fishing boat was discovered abandoned and running in the Gulf of Mexico. What started as a routine deep-sea outing on December 19 has spiraled into a federal missing persons case, with authorities citing “unusual circumstances” that “don’t add up.” The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its massive four-day search on December 22 after scouring over 6,700 square miles, but the eerie condition of the vessel—engine in gear, no distress call, and emergency beacon unused—has prompted federal agents to take over. Why was the boat found that way? As families endure a heartbreaking holiday without answers, the probe intensifies amid growing questions.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the FBI’s involvement, noting the incident’s location far offshore and puzzling details that demand deeper scrutiny. No signs of foul play have been reported, but the scene raises red flags for investigators.
The Puzzling Discovery: Boat Found Running but Empty
Spivey and Billmaier, experienced offshore anglers, set out early December 19 aboard the 42-foot Freeman catamaran “Unstopp-A-Bull” from a Fort Myers-area dock, planning bottom fishing about 100 miles out. They were due back by afternoon, but by evening, no word came.
Concern escalated, and a report was filed around 9 p.m. The Coast Guard launched an immediate response, deploying helicopters and boats. Early December 21, a helicopter crew spotted the vessel drifting upright approximately 70 miles west of Naples—engine running and in gear, but completely vacant.
A rescue swimmer boarded, secured the boat, and confirmed: no one aboard. Two life jackets were missing, offering faint hope they were worn, but the EPIRB remained inactive, and no mayday was sent. Weather was benign—calm seas, light winds—ruling out a rogue wave or storm
Exhaustive Search Yields No Clues
The operation ballooned into one of Southwest Florida’s largest, involving Coast Guard assets from multiple stations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lee County Sheriff’s Office aviation, volunteer boats, and even private aircraft. Over 6,700 square miles—larger than Connecticut—were saturated.
Capt. Corrie Sergent announced suspension at sundown December 22: “There is no harder decision than suspending a search.” Families, briefed privately, were told exhaustive efforts gave high confidence that surface survivors would have been found.
In a statement, relatives expressed gratitude and support: “Brandon and Randy would never want anyone else to put their life in danger.”
Who Are Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier?
Spivey, founder of Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers, was a board-certified civil trial lawyer with over 30 years specializing in personal injury and wrongful death, recovering hundreds of millions for clients.
Billmaier, following his uncle’s path, worked as a trial attorney at Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton since 2023, earning accolades for client satisfaction.
The close-knit pair shared a passion for fishing. Billmaier’s wife Deborah, in emotional posts, called the ordeal “surreal” while holding onto hope for a “Christmas miracle.”
Shiner Law Group mourned Billmaier as an “exceptional person and great lawyer.”
Why Federal Agents? The Scene ‘Doesn’t Add Up’
The FBI’s entry reflects jurisdiction over offshore incidents and anomalies: a running engine implying abrupt abandonment, unused safety equipment, and no communication despite cell service potential.
Experts speculate scenarios like a sudden overboard fall—one man goes in, the other jumps to rescue wearing life jackets—but the drifting boat escapes. Medical issues or equipment mishaps are also possible.
No evidence supports foul play, though some online chatter links to their legal careers. Officials caution against speculation.
The probe will likely include forensics on the boat, phone/GPS analysis, and interviews.
Community Heartbreak on Christmas
As holidays arrive shadowed by loss, Southwest Florida rallies. Volunteers poured in, and families face empty seats at tables.
Deborah Billmaier shared solace in knowing her husband was doing what he loved. “We continue to pray,” statements echo.
Tips are urged to Coast Guard (866-881-1392) or local authorities.
Why Was the Boat Found That Way? Questions Haunt Investigators
The running engine and in-gear status suggest someone was at the helm moments before vanishing. Unused EPIRB baffles—why no activation if in distress?
Calm conditions make capsizing unlikely. The missing life jackets fuel hope of survival, but days without sighting dim prospects.
As the FBI digs deeper, answers may emerge in weeks ahead. For now, the Gulf holds its mysteries, leaving a community—and two families—in anguished wait.
This Christmas, thoughts turn to the missing men and the heroes who searched tirelessly.
