The disappearance of two Florida fishermen has taken a spine-tingling turn with the emergence of a disturbing audio recording linked to one of the missing men. Brandon Billmaier, a 33-year-old attorney from Naples, and his uncle Randall Spivey, 57, a seasoned personal injury lawyer from Fort Myers, vanished during a routine fishing trip on December 20, 2025. Their 42-foot Freeman catamaran was found adrift 70 miles offshore, engines humming, lights on, and autopilot engaged—but the men were gone. Now, investigators have revealed a chilling clip where Billmaier utters eerie final words: “Something is moving near the boat… Let me check.” Moments later, the recording deteriorates into static before plunging into silence, leaving search teams haunted and questions mounting.
The pair launched from the Imperial River Boat Ramp around 5 p.m., geared for an evening of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Experienced boaters, they were no strangers to the waters, with Spivey owning the vessel and both sharing a passion for the sea. Family described the outing as typical—Billmaier, a father of young children and associate at Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, texted his wife about the calm conditions earlier. But by nightfall, all contact ceased. The U.S. Coast Guard mounted a massive search covering over 5,800 square miles, involving helicopters, cutters, and drones, but suspended efforts after four days due to fading hopes and worsening weather.
The audio, reportedly from Billmaier’s phone, surfaced amid the investigation now led by the FBI. Officials caution that its source and authenticity are under scrutiny, possibly a voicemail or voice note sent automatically. Personnel who reviewed it described the abrupt cutoff as “deeply disturbing,” with faint background noises—perhaps waves or something more ominous—adding to the unease. The phrase “something is moving” has sparked wild speculation: Was it marine life, debris, or a sinister presence? The silence that follows has been likened to a void, intensifying the mystery of their fate.
Families are devastated. Billmaier’s wife, in a heartfelt plea, mourned the loss while clinging to hope, recalling his love for family and fishing. Spivey’s relatives echoed the sentiment, organizing vigils in Fort Myers and Naples. The boat’s condition—no signs of capsizing, with rods rigged and items intact—suggests they may have gone overboard voluntarily or been taken. Theories range from a sudden medical emergency to foul play, given their legal professions handling high-stakes cases. The FBI’s involvement hints at deeper probes, possibly tied to professional rivals or unrelated threats.
This case echoes other Gulf vanishings, where currents and vast expanses swallow clues. As forensics examine the boat for DNA or anomalies, the recording stands as a poignant artifact, capturing a moment of curiosity turning to potential peril. What lurked near the boat? Did Billmaier’s check reveal danger too late? The silence speaks volumes, fueling a national obsession with the enigma. Communities rally for answers, but the sea guards its secrets, leaving two families in agonizing limbo.
