In a twist that has reignited hope and dread along Florida’s Gulf Coast, a mysterious underwater signal has been detected just 12 miles from the abandoned vessel of missing boaters Randy Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33. The uncle-nephew duo, both experienced attorneys from Fort Myers, vanished during what was supposed to be a routine fishing trip, leaving behind an empty boat adrift in the vast ocean. As divers now plunge into the depths to investigate this chilling development, the case has captured national attention, blending tragedy with an aura of unsolved enigma.
The ordeal began on the morning of December 19, 2025, when Spivey and Billmaier set off before dawn aboard their 42-foot Freeman fishing boat, aptly named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” Departing from Fort Myers, they aimed for a day of bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, expecting to return by afternoon. When they failed to appear, family members alerted authorities around 9 p.m. that evening. The boat was discovered early the next morning, floating upright about 70 miles offshore near Marco Island, its engine still running in gear and emergency beacon untouched. No signs of struggle or the men were evident, fueling theories of an accidental fall overboard or something more sinister.
Search efforts kicked off immediately, with the U.S. Coast Guard deploying aircraft and vessels across a sprawling area of the Gulf. Partner agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, joined in, while a fleet of private boats volunteered under the guidance of heartbroken relatives. Spivey’s wife, Tricia, described the operation as a massive outpouring of community support, with volunteers scanning the waters tirelessly. Billmaier’s wife, Deborah, shared emotional pleas on social media, urging prayers and assistance while clinging to faith that the men would be found alive. The pair were described as avid outdoorsmen—Spivey a seasoned personal injury lawyer known for his community involvement, and Billmaier a younger attorney following in his uncle’s footsteps. Physical descriptions circulated widely: Spivey, 6’1″ and 245 pounds with brown hair and eyes; Billmaier, 6’2″ and 250 pounds with strawberry blonde hair.
Despite exhaustive searches covering thousands of square miles, the Coast Guard suspended operations at sunset on December 22, citing no new leads and harsh ocean conditions. The decision devastated families, who thanked rescuers but vowed to continue privately. Then, in a stunning turn just days into the new year, sonar equipment picked up an unexplained signal from the ocean floor—described by experts as a rhythmic ping, possibly from a device or wreckage. Located a mere 12 miles from the boat’s recovery site, it prompted an urgent response: specialized dive teams were mobilized, equipped with underwater drones and submersibles to probe the murky depths.