Coast Guard suspends search for missing boaters off SWFL coast

FORT MYERS, FL. — On Monday, the US Coast Guard has suspended their search for two missing men off the coast of Southwest Florida.

The Coast Guard suspended their search for Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier, who were last seen on Friday going on a fishing trip about 70 miles offshore of SWFL's coast at sunset on Monday. 

In response to the search being suspended, the Lee County Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying, "As the U.S. Coast Guard announces the suspension of search efforts; our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier during this incredibly difficult time."

Our partners at the FBI have assumed the missing persons case at this time.

As of 6 p.m., the private volunteer search has also been called off. 

Paul Rocuant, a close friend of one of the missing men, issued a statement to the rescue volunteers Monday night. Read the full statement below:

"Since Friday, when this tragic event occurred, the United States Coast Guard—together with agencies from Collier County, Lee County, the Florida Guard, the military, and many other organizations—have combined forces using the most advanced technology and equipment available. The search effort has covered an area larger than the entire state of Connecticut."

In a private briefing with Coast Guard leadership, the family was informed that, given the enormous amount of time, resources, and strategic effort focused on the most logical search areas, there is the highest degree of confidence that if Randy and Brandon were on the surface of the water, they would have been found. With that understanding, the Coast Guard has advised the family that as of sundown today, the active search must be suspended. While this is heartbreaking, the family is certain this is the correct decision and holds the deepest respect, gratitude, and acceptance for it.

Randy was an attorney helping those who were injured, for over 30 years. Likewise, following in his uncle’s footsteps, Brandon was also an attorney advocating for those who were injured as well. Few people were more concerned about the safety of innocent people than Randy and Brandon. We know—without question—that they would reach the same conclusion as the experts: that everything possible has been done. They would ask that this decision be respected and that the bravery and heroism of those who searched—those in the air and on the water doing the real, dangerous work—be honored.

This is incredibly difficult for the family and for everyone hoping for a different outcome. We respectfully ask that the decision to suspend the search be honored, both from a professional agency standpoint and from a volunteer standpoint. The search area, which is now more than 100 miles offshore, continues to move west and farther from shore, creating increasing risk, and it is no longer safe to ask volunteers to put themselves in serious danger. For those who know Randy and Brandon, there is no doubt this is exactly how they would feel.

The family asks for your compassion, understanding, and support during this unimaginably difficult time. We love you all."

At around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, both men failed to communicate back to their wives, prompting them to contact the US Coast Guard. At 11 p.m., authorities deployed a helicopter to aid in the search.

Authorities updated their search at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, where they located the boater's vessel; however, both men were missing. 

The Coast Guard led the search, and now volunteers have also been helping. As of Monday morning, search efforts broadened. 

• RELATED: Authorities search for 2 missing boaters off Southwest Florida coast

The U.S. Coast Guard released a statement Sunday morning:

"Today, we continue to search with air & surface crews, pursuing all leads and saturating the search area. Thank you to this amazing community for their support. Our thoughts are with the families as we continue our efforts." — Capt. Corrie Sergent, Sector St. Pete CO.

The U.S. Coast Guard began coordinating the search at 7 a.m. Monday and will continue throughout the day.

Cajun Navy out of Louisiana is sending aircraft on Monday, 100 miles west of Naples. The Navy just got the green light from the family to do the search.  They will be in the air around 11 a.m. 

We've also caught up with a volunteer, who is going 110 miles off the coast from Fort Myers, to help with the search. 

Pilots from all over the Southeast United States have joined, along with private and government boats and aircraft. 

If you are able to assist and wish to volunteer, please TEXT the following information to Paul Rocuant, a close friend of Randall, 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