As Christmas Day dawns in 2025, the families of two missing fishermen off the coast of Fort Myers Beach are facing a holiday shrouded in uncertainty and quiet determination. Deborah Billmaier, wife of 33-year-old attorney Brandon Billmaier, continues to hold onto hope that her husband and his uncle, 57-year-old Randall Spivey Sr., are still alive in the vast Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search on December 22 after four exhaustive days covering thousands of square miles, but for Deborah and the broader family, the story is far from over. A small but significant discovery at home has fueled her belief in a possible miracle, even as the community grapples with grief during this festive season.
The ordeal began on the morning of December 19, 2025, when Brandon Billmaier and Randall Spivey set out from a residential dock in Fort Myers for what was meant to be a routine day of offshore bottom fishing. The pair, both experienced boaters and avid anglers, departed early aboard their 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” Brandon, a trial attorney following in his uncle’s footsteps, and Randall, a prominent Fort Myers personal injury lawyer and founder of his own firm, shared a close bond. Family members described them as inseparable on the water, with Brandon often crediting his uncle as a mentor in both law and life. They were expected back by evening, but as night fell with no communication, alarm bells rang.
Deborah Billmaier was the first to raise concerns, contacting authorities when texts and calls went unanswered. By midnight, a Coast Guard helicopter located the vessel adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers Beach—still in gear, engines running, but eerily empty. No signs of distress were immediately apparent: the boat was upright and intact, with no visible damage. Crucially, investigators noted that two life jackets were missing from their usual storage spots, sparking immediate optimism among loved ones. This detail suggested the men might have donned them in an emergency, potentially buying precious time in the open water.
The discovery that has kept Deborah’s hope alive came later, back at home. While going through her husband’s belongings in the days following the disappearance, she found his wallet still in a pocket of pants left behind. Inside were his credit cards, ID, and other essentials he would never venture far offshore without. To Deborah, this was a profound sign: Brandon, meticulous and safety-conscious, wouldn’t have left for a deep-sea trip without his wallet. It reinforced the family’s theory that whatever incident occurred was sudden and unexpected—perhaps one man falling overboard, the other jumping in to help, leaving no time to grab personal items beyond the readily accessible life jackets.
The search effort that followed was one of the largest in Southwest Florida’s recent history. The Coast Guard deployed helicopters, cutters, and aircraft, scouring over 6,700 square miles of the Gulf. Volunteer boaters—hundreds strong—formed an armada, coordinating through social media and local groups to cover grids from Fort Myers to Marco Island. Private planes joined from nearby airports, and community support poured in from across the state. Tricia Spivey, Randall’s wife, spoke of the overwhelming gratitude for the “local heroes” stepping up, while Deborah organized updates and pleas for more help via Facebook, keeping the public engaged.
Both men were described as cautious and prepared. Randall, an experienced captain, was known for prioritizing safety, often wearing an auto-inflating life vest during trips. The missing jackets—blue and yellow models—aligned with this habit, offering a glimmer that they could be afloat, perhaps together, awaiting rescue. Water temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit provided some reassurance against hypothermia, and the calm seas reported that weekend added to the possibilities of survival.
Yet, as days passed without sightings, reality set in. On December 22, the Coast Guard announced the suspension of active operations at sunset, a decision described as one of the hardest in search-and-rescue protocol. The FBI stepped in to lead the ongoing missing persons investigation, examining the recovered boat for clues. No foul play is suspected; theories point to a tragic accident, possibly a man-overboard scenario where the drifting vessel continued on autopilot.
For Deborah, the holidays have taken on a bittersweet tone. Preparing for Christmas without Brandon—whom she described as a devoted husband who “lived for fishing, his family, and me”—has been unimaginable. In interviews, she expressed solace in knowing he was doing what he loved alongside his beloved uncle. The wallet discovery became a personal anchor, a tangible reason to believe he intended to return home that night. “It’s those little things that keep the hope burning,” family friends have shared, echoing her quiet resolve.
The community has rallied around the families. Randall Spivey, a pillar in Fort Myers legal circles, is remembered for his integrity and community service. Brandon, practicing in Boca Raton while maintaining ties to Florida’s west coast, was seen as a rising star with a bright future. Tributes highlight their kindness, with colleagues and clients sharing stories of their generosity.
As Christmas arrives, private searches by family and volunteers continue informally, guided by new leads or intuition. Deborah’s faith remains steadfast, rooted in the missing life jackets and that overlooked wallet—a reminder of routine plans disrupted by fate. In a season symbolizing miracles and light in darkness, her story resonates as one of enduring love and unyielding hope.
The Gulf of Mexico holds many secrets, but for those who know Brandon and Randall, the belief persists that they are out there, resilient and waiting. Until definitive answers come, the families—and a watchful community—hold vigil, praying for the safe return of two men whose absence has left a profound void this holiday season.
