Son of missing boater appeals for help from boaters, pilots in finding father and cousin

Dec 22, 2025 By Nathan Mayberg 3 min read

Brandon Billmaier (left), Randy Spivey (center) and Randall Spivey (right) with a large red snapper catch in the Gulf. The group regularly went deep sea fishing into the Gulf. Photo provided courtesy of Randy Spivey

The Fort Myers son of one of the missing boaters who disappeared in the Gulf during a deep water fishing expedition, is appealing to boaters and pilots for assistance in locating his father and cousin who went missing Friday.

Randall Spivey and his nephew 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier left Fort Myers early Friday morning for a fishing trip on a 42-foot Freeman boat and haven’t been seen since. Their boat was located about 70 miles off the coast of Fort Myers on Saturday by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Spivey is the uncle of Billmaier and both are attorneys. Spivey is the president and founder of Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers.

U.S. Coast Guard Fort Myers Beach units have continued their search for the two.

Spivey’s son Randy took to Facebook on Sunday to announce that his family was active in the search for his father.

‘My dad and my cousin are still missing and we are not giving up. Based on our search of the boat, we believe they have flotation devices and are waiting to be found. Every hour matters. We need to bring them home,” Spivey said.

“They are two of the kindest, most selfless people I know. They are my role models. If you have any way to help with the search, please reach out immediately.”

Spivey said that those looking to help with boats that have a 250-mile range search can call Paul at (239) 634-3400. Those looking to assist with planes can contact Milo at (239) 229-3737.

“Our family is doing everything we can, and we are beyond grateful for every person who has stepped up, shared, searched, and prayed. But we still need help. We still need them found,” Spivey said.

Spivey said his dad was an experienced boater who regularly went deep sea fishing.

“My dad is a highly highly experienced boater,” Spivey said. He said his dad has been boating “his entire life” and that he and Brandon have been doing offshore fishing with him often since they were kids.

Spivey said on Monday that he had received a lot of support from boaters. “A lot of boats are going out this morning,” he said.

The boat has since been brought back from the Gulf without the two missing men, to the U.S. Coast Guard station on Fort Myers Beach. Officials at the station and the U.S. Coast Guard were not immediately available to comment on the condition of the boat.

Fort Myers Beach Observer Editor Nathan Mayberg can be reached at NMayberg@breezenewspapers.com or at 239-574-1110 Ext. 176.