The wife of a fisherman who went missing with his uncle has revealed a theory she feels explains the disappearance of both men.
Randall Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33, vanished during a fishing trip in Fort Meyers, Florida, and authorities have described the circumstances as unusual.
The uncle and nephew pair were last seen on December 19, but never returned to land after taking off.
They were reported overdue to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 8 pm and a rescue expedition then got underway.
Advert
Around midnight that same night, a Coast Guard helicopter spotted their boat, named unstoppable, adrift and still in gear about 70 miles west of Fort Meyers. Neither men were anywhere on board.
Brandon’s wife, Deborah has spoken to local media and revealed a theory regarding what could have happened to the pair. She also revealed the last text she received from her partner.
ABC affiliate WPBF reported that Brandon sent the message: “I love you, and I’ll see you tonight. I’ll be back home tonight.”
Advert
Regarding the fate of the pair, Deborah said that the Coast Guard believe one of the men likely fell over board with the other leaping in after him, not realizing that the engine was still running.
She said: “So they jumped in the water, and the boat was still going, kept moving away from them.
“There was no way the two men could catch up to the moving 42-foot boat.”
Following the disappearance of the pair, Deborah has also reflected on her sweet relationship with her husband.
Advert
She said: “Our love story, it’s pretty incredible we met in 2020.
“From the moment I first met him, the way he speaks, carries himself, talks about others, cares about others, it’s just something indescribable.”
The family have also released a statement following the decision to call off the lengthy and vast search for the pair.
Advert
In part, it read: “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.
“... 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 family asks for your compassion, understanding, and support during this unimaginably difficult time. We love you all.”
Gerrard Kaonga