In a dramatic turn of events that has reignited hope and fueled speculation, authorities have reportedly detected a mysterious signal emanating from the ocean depths, just 12 miles from the location where a deserted fishing boat was discovered last month. The signal, described by sources as “chilling” and intermittent, has prompted a renewed effort to locate Randall Spivey, 57, a prominent Fort Myers attorney, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, from Boca Raton, who vanished during a routine deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico on December 19, 2025. The U.S. Coast Guard, which had suspended its active search on December 22 after covering over 6,700 square miles, confirmed today that specialized dive teams are now being deployed to investigate the anomaly. This development comes amid growing public interest and conspiracy theories surrounding the case, which has gripped Southwest Florida and beyond with its eerie details of an abandoned vessel found adrift with engines still running.

The story began on a seemingly ordinary Friday morning when Spivey and Billmaier set out from Fort Myers Beach aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, aptly named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” The pair, known for their shared passion for fishing, had planned a day trip approximately 100 miles offshore, targeting grouper and other deep-water species. Family members reported them overdue around 9 p.m. that evening when they failed to return by sunset as expected. A Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstander immediately initiated a search, launching air and sea assets to the boaters’ last known position based on cell phone pings and marine tracking data.

Just after midnight on December 20, a Coast Guard helicopter spotted the vessel drifting upright about 70 miles west of Naples. The boat was in gear, with its quadruple outboard engines idling, fishing lines still deployed, and no signs of distress. Notably, two life jackets were missing from the inventory, but a third remained onboard, raising immediate questions about what might have transpired. No emergency beacon was activated, and there were no apparent signs of foul play, capsizing, or mechanical failure. The discovery of the “ghost boat,” as it has been dubbed by local media, sent shockwaves through the community, with friends and family clinging to hope while authorities ramped up efforts.

Over the next three days, a multi-agency operation involving the Coast Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scoured the area. Assets included HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, and 45-foot response boats, covering an expanse roughly the size of Connecticut. Despite exhaustive searches, no trace of the men was found—no debris, no bodies, no clues. On December 22, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the active search, citing the low probability of survival given the cold water temperatures (around 68°F) and rough seas. “This was not a decision we took lightly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Amy Harrison, search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector St. Petersburg. “We saturated an incredibly large area, but unfortunately, we were unable to locate the two missing men.”

The suspension left loved ones devastated. Spivey’s wife, in an emotional interview with local station WINK News, revealed a final text from her husband earlier that day: “Having a great time out here—fish are biting!” Billmaier’s family echoed the sentiment, describing him as an avid outdoorsman and devoted father. Spivey, a well-respected personal injury lawyer with his own firm in Fort Myers, was remembered by colleagues as a pillar of the community, often volunteering for local charities. Billmaier, a financial advisor, had recently relocated to Boca Raton and was looking forward to family holidays. Vigils were held along Fort Myers Beach, with candles flickering against the Gulf’s horizon as prayers were offered for their safe return.

In the weeks following, the case transitioned from search and rescue to investigation. By January 5, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services took the lead, with assistance from the FBI and local authorities. Initial theories ranged from accidental falls overboard—perhaps while reeling in a catch—to more sinister possibilities like piracy or foul play. The boat’s condition puzzled experts: Why was it still running? Why no distress call? Marine forensics teams examined the vessel for fingerprints, DNA, and mechanical issues, but early reports indicated no tampering. Social media buzzed with speculation, from shark attacks to abduction scenarios. One Facebook group, “The Truth for Spivey & Billmaier,” amassed thousands of members, positing links to local figures like Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, though no evidence supported such claims.

Then came the breakthrough—or at least, what authorities are treating as one. On January 14, 2026, underwater acoustic monitoring equipment deployed by a joint Coast Guard and NOAA team picked up an unusual signal from approximately 200 feet below the surface, roughly 12 miles northwest of the boat’s recovery site. Described as a rhythmic pinging, reminiscent of an emergency locator beacon but distorted by depth and currents, the signal was first detected during routine sonar sweeps aimed at mapping debris fields. Sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that the anomaly “sent chills down our spines—it was like a call from the deep.” Initial analysis suggested it could be from a personal locator beacon (PLB) or even a black box-style device from the boat, though the “Unstopp-A-Bull” was not equipped with the latter.

By early January 15, dive operations were underway. Specialized teams from the Coast Guard’s Dive Locker in Mobile, Alabama, equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and saturation diving gear, descended into the murky Gulf waters. The site, in the heart of the Loop Current—a powerful eddy known for its unpredictable flows—presents significant challenges: strong undercurrents, limited visibility, and potential marine hazards. “We’re treating this as a potential recovery mission,” a Coast Guard spokesperson stated during a press briefing in Clearwater. “The signal is intermittent, but it’s consistent enough to warrant immediate action. We’re deploying every resource available to bring closure to the families.”

Experts weigh in on the plausibility. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a marine acoustics specialist at the University of Miami, explained that signals can travel far in water but degrade over time. “If this is from a PLB, it could have been activated manually or upon immersion,” she said. “The 12-mile distance suggests the men—or their gear—may have drifted with the currents.” Survival at sea experts note that while the odds diminish after days, miracles happen: In 2023, a fisherman survived 13 days adrift off Hawaii. However, with water temperatures dropping and no food or water, the window for rescue is narrow.

The families, understandably, are a mix of hope and heartache. Spivey’s wife posted on Facebook: “This signal could be our miracle. Please keep praying.” Billmaier’s sister told NBC 6: “We’ve been in limbo for weeks. If this is them calling out, we need to answer.” Community support has surged, with GoFundMe campaigns raising over $150,000 for search efforts and family expenses. Local fishermen have volunteered boats for perimeter patrols, and drone operators are scanning the surface.

Yet, skepticism abounds. Some online commentators dismiss the signal as marine noise—perhaps from a sunken vessel or even wildlife. Conspiracy theorists point to the boat’s name and Spivey’s legal work, suggesting debts or enemies, though law enforcement has ruled out foul play for now. The FBI’s involvement, initially for forensic support, has fueled rumors, but agents emphasize it’s standard procedure for interstate cases.

This incident highlights broader issues in maritime safety. The Gulf of Mexico, a hub for recreational boating, sees dozens of disappearances annually. The Coast Guard urges boaters to file float plans, carry EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons), and monitor weather. In 2025 alone, over 600 boating fatalities were reported nationwide, per preliminary USCG data, often due to falls overboard or sudden storms. Advocacy groups like BoatUS are calling for mandatory beacon laws.

As divers continue their descent, the world watches. If the signal leads to Spivey and Billmaier, it would be a stunning reversal—a tale of survival against the odds. If not, it may deepen the mystery of the ghost boat. For now, the Gulf holds its secrets, but with teams plunging into the deep, answers may soon surface. The families, authorities, and a captivated public hold their breath, hoping the chilling call from below brings resolution rather than more tragedy.