US Coast Guard Leads Search for Missing Fort Myers Fishermen

A large search operation continues off the Florida coast. The U.S. Coast Guard is looking for two missing fishermen.The men failed to return from a fishing trip on Friday. Their boat was later found abandoned far offshore.

The missing men are identified as Randall Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33. They are uncle and nephew from the Fort Myers area.

Family members reported them missing Friday evening. They had left early that morning and did not come back.

Search Operation Intensifies After Boat Found Empty

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a major response. They used both aircraft and boats to search the Gulf of Mexico.

Authorities located the men’s vessel early Saturday morning. The boat was found approximately 70 miles from shore.

No one was on board the abandoned boat. The search area now focuses on the surrounding waters.

The Coast Guard is leading the investigation. According to Reuters, such search operations are standard for missing persons at sea.

Family members have been notified of the discovery. They are pleading for the public’s help.

“We’ve gotta find them. Please find them,” said Tricia Spivey, Randall’s wife, in a local news interview.

Appeal for Public Assistance in Locating Missing Men

Officials have released descriptions of the two men. Randall Spivey is 6-foot-1 with brown hair and eyes.

Brandon Billmaier is 6-foot-2 with strawberry-blond hair. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office shared these details.

The public is asked to provide any information. People can contact the Coast Guard or local law enforcement.

Authorities urge anyone with relevant details to call the provided tip lines. Information can be given anonymously.

The community is also asked to keep the families in their thoughts. The situation remains urgent and developing.

Search efforts are ongoing as weather and light conditions permit. Updates will come from the Coast Guard.

The search for the missing Fort Myers fishermen underscores the dangers of the open water. The community now waits and hopes for their safe return.