The search for two boaters missing off the coast of Naples, Florida, has been suspended after a massive four-day search operation.
The U.S. Coast Guard halted its search for Fort Myers attorney Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, at sunset on Monday, Dec. 22.
The relatives disappeared on Dec. 19, and the search spanned nearly 6,700 square miles of sea, officials reported.
“After the utmost consideration and careful review of all factors involved in this case, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend its active search efforts,” Capt. Corrie Sergent, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, said.
“There is no harder decision than suspending a search. I am incredibly grateful for the crews, partners, and volunteers across this community who executed this massive search with the utmost professionalism, persistence, and compassion. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Spivey and Mr. Billmaier during this extremely difficult time.”
