Executive Summary
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed jurisdiction over the case of two men who disappeared while boating in the Gulf of Mexico, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing inquiry. Authorities confirmed the shift to a federal missing persons investigation after the individuals remained unaccounted for following four days at sea.
Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, were reported missing earlier this week. According to reports from the Fort Myers News-Press, the U.S. Coast Guard led an extensive search operation spanning three full days, utilizing both aerial and maritime assets. Despite the deployment of numerous volunteers and official search teams, no trace of the men has been located in the search zone off the coast of Southwest Florida.
Investigative Outlook
The transition of this case to an FBI missing persons investigation indicates that federal authorities are bringing additional resources to bear on the disappearance. While the Coast Guard typically manages search and rescue operations, FBI involvement suggests a need for a broader investigative scope to determine the timeline and cause of the incident. Law enforcement officials have not yet released specific details regarding potential leads but maintain an active file on the disappearance.
