Brian Hooker, the husband of Lynette Hooker, has been arrested in the Bahamas in connection with his wife’s disappearance. Lynette Hooker, 55, from Michigan, fell overboard from a dinghy near Elbow Cay on Saturday evening.

Incident Details

The couple was traveling from Hope Town on the Abaco Islands to Elbow Cay, en route to their yacht, 'Soulmate', when the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. According to Brian Hooker, inclement weather caused his wife to fall into the sea.

Husband's Account

Brian Hooker stated that strong currents pulled Lynette away after she fell overboard while holding the boat key, which shut off the dinghy’s engine. He claims he attempted to reach her but was unable to due to high winds and currents. He then paddled the dinghy back to shore, arriving around 4 a.m. on Sunday.

Ongoing Investigation & Arrest

Following the report, a large-scale search operation was launched, involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, utilizing land, sea, and air resources. On Wednesday evening, Brian Hooker was taken into custody as authorities initiated a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his wife’s disappearance.

Family Concerns

Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has expressed concerns and called for a thorough investigation. She told ABC News that her stepfather informed her Lynette had fallen from the boat and he had thrown a life jacket, but was unsure if she received it. The couple, known as 'The Sailing Hookers' on social media, frequently documented their travels.

Search and Assistance

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the investigation, working alongside Bahamian authorities. The U.S. State Department has confirmed its awareness of the situation and is providing assistance to the Bahamian authorities. Brian Hooker expressed his devastation and gratitude for the search efforts in a social media statement.

The search for Lynette Hooker remains ongoing, and authorities are examining all available evidence to determine the exact circumstances of her disappearance.