Overview
- Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, left early Friday to fish near Fort Myers and did not return as expected.
- Their 42-foot Freeman vessel was found about 70 miles offshore early Saturday with no one aboard, according to the family.
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg is running coordinated surface and air operations, searching up to 5,000 feet within roughly a 35-mile radius of reported coordinates.
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office classified the case as involving endangered adults, released physical descriptions, and urged tips to 239-477-1000, 911, or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
- Relatives issued public pleas and noted a monetary reward for information as officials warned that uncoordinated aircraft could hinder search efforts.