Southwest Florida community rallies in search for missing fishermen

FORT MYERS, FL. — The search for two missing men off the coast of Southwest Florida has grown into one of the largest in the region's history.

The Coast Guard is leading the effort, and dozens of volunteers are joining the search across the Gulf of Mexico, fueled by hope and determination.

Paul Rocuant, a close friend of one of the missing men, Randall Spivey, is among the volunteers.

"Randy's my best friend. Randy's been my friend since 1995. He was the best man at my wedding. He was one of the first people to hold my youngest daughter in the hospital. He's like a brother," said Rocuant.

Rocuant is committed to bringing Spivey and his nephew, Brandon Billmaier, back home.

"There's nothing more important in my whole life than what I'm doing right now," he said.

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

Rocuant 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."

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

The two men went missing during a fishing trip about 70 miles offshore. Rocuant has taken on the unexpected role of leading the volunteer search effort.

"This is what you do. You know, we're brothers. You know, we have a very, very close relationship. So he would do anything for me, and he knows I would do anything for him, if that means I'm going to stay up for a week. It doesn't matter," said Rocuant.

WINK News learned from Bridget Bruchalski that at least 20 volunteer boats have headed into the Gulf, each assigned specific coordinates for the search effort.

A volunteer emphasized the magnitude of the operation.

"This is one of the largest searches in the history of Southwest Florida to bring Brandon and Randy home today," said the volunteer.

The volunteer also expressed hope for the mission's success.

"Even though it's been 36 hours since they've been in the water or so, that they're still alive, and we're going to find them today and bring them home," he said.

The volunteers are employing a method known as an expanded square search.

"If you imagine a center dot, you move your boat, or you're walking, or whatever your resources, you move it about 100 yards, or however long it's decided, then you turn right, then you make another right, and go down a little bit further and turn around another right," the volunteer explained.

Their objective is clear.

"No stones unturned. And in this case, no human beings left behind," said the volunteer. "Hopefully, we won't have to do this tomorrow."

He expressed gratitude for the support received.

"We're grateful to everybody who has volunteered their time, their equipment, their fuel, their prayers, spreading the word… That's exactly what we need," said Rocuant.

Rocuant is firm in his belief that this is a search and rescue mission. They urge anyone who can assist to call the contact number provided.

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

"Today, we continue to search with air & surface crews, pursuing all leads & 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., and efforts will continue through Monday.

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. 

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 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