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Fort Myers, FL - Federal and local authorities are conducting an urgent search after a fishing vessel belonging to two Florida men was found empty far off the state’s southwest coast, raising concerns about their disappearance.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the boat was located approximately 70 miles west of Florida during overnight search operations, with no sign of the men onboard.
The missing individuals were identified as 57-year-old Randall Spivey and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier.
According to officials, the pair departed early Friday morning from the Fort Myers area for a fishing trip and were expected to return later that day.
When they failed to come back and could not be contacted, family members reported them missing.
Coast Guard crews began searching Friday night using aircraft and surface vessels.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, a helicopter crew located the 42 foot fishing boat adrift in the Gulf of Mexico.
Authorities said the vessel was still running when it was found, prompting a rescue swimmer to secure it to prevent further drifting.
Officials noted there were no immediate signs of distress or damage to the boat, and no personal belongings were reported missing at the time of the discovery.
Both men are experienced boaters, according to family members, though officials have not released details about what may have led to their disappearance.
The search area has expanded as crews continue to scan the water and surrounding airspace.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the vessel or the men to contact the Coast Guard as the investigation and search efforts remain ongoing.