Editor's note and USCG Notice: USCG crews and partner agencies continue to search. Uncoordinated crews operating in the search area can create unsafe conditions and hinder response efforts. Boaters and aircraft pilots should monitor Ch. 16 and report pertinent info to Sector #StPete @ 866-881-1392.
A search continues Monday off the Gulf shore for a Fort Myers attorney and his nephew who went missing Friday night.
The U.S. Coast Guard is in search-and-rescue mode for 57-year-old attorney Randall Spivey, and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier. The Coast Guard said they were reported missing at about 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.
The pair’s boat was found empty 70 miles off Fort Myers.
Deborah Billmaier, the wife of Brandon Billmaier, said vessels capable of a 225-mile range are being sought to assist in a major offshore search in an area expected to be about 70 miles west of Naples.
On social media, Deborah Billmaier posted that they expect to receive updated grid coordinates by Monday morning, which will then be immediately distributed by text to all volunteer vessels participating in the search.
She said search details included the following:
- Vessels will depart from their own locations between Fort Myers and Marco Island to a designated coordinate to search
- The search area is expected to be approximately 70 miles west of Naples, Florida
- Final search grids will be assigned once updated information is received at 8:00 AM
If you are able to assist and wish to volunteer, please TEXT the following information to Paul at 239-634-3400 as soon as possible:
- Departure location
- Vessel Name
- Captain’s Name and Cell Number
- First Mate’s Name and Cell Number
- Vessel Range
Spivey is a white male, 6’1”, 245 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a dark in color shirt.
Billmaier is a white male, 6’2”, 250 pounds, with strawberry hair and brown eyes.
The two left early Friday morning for a fishing trip on a 42-foot Freeman boat from a residence on the 15000 block of Intracoastal Court in Fort Myers.
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