The search efforts are intensifying for two fishermen, Randall Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33, after their unmanned boat was discovered at sea.
Spivey and Billmaier embarked on a fishing trip off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida, last Friday. According to a social media update from Billmaier’s wife, shared by Semafor White House correspondent Shelby Talcott, the duo set out early in the morning and were expected back by afternoon. By 7:30 p.m., the family grew concerned as they had not heard from them.
Randall Spivey is described as being 6-foot-1 and was last seen wearing khaki pants along with a dark shirt.
Billmaier’s wife reported that the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search operation around 11:00 p.m. A helicopter was dispatched, and by 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, the family was informed that the fishermen’s boat was located 70 miles offshore, but the two men were missing.
“We’ve gotta find them. Please. Please, please find them,” said Tricia Spivey, Randall’s wife, in an emotional plea as reported by WBBH-TV. “They’re amazing people. I just need him back. He needs to come back to us.”
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for Spivey and his nephew, Billmaier, whose boat was discovered empty at sea.
The family is hoping that more people will be able to join the rescue effort and is asking for those who are willing and able to reach out. Spivey and Billmaier’s family is asking those who cannot aid in the rescue to keep the men in their prayers.
On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said it was leading the search and asked for anyone with information to call U.S. Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg at 866-881-1392.
Brandon Billmaier, 33, went missing while fishing off the coast of Florida with his uncle, Randall Spivey.
Spivey is a 6-foot-1 man with brown hair and brown eyes, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a dark-colored shirt.
Billmaier is 6-foot-2 and has strawberry hair and brown eyes. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not describe what the 33-year-old was last seen wearing.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office directed Fox News Digital to the U.S. Coast Guard for additional updates.
