The spouse of a woman who disappeared while sailing on vacation in the Bahamas has been taken into custody.
Lynette Hooker, aged 55, went missing on Saturday evening after she went overboard during a boating excursion in the popular holiday destination. Authorities revealed that the American woman was on an 8-foot motorboat journeying from Hope Town to Elbow Cay. Her husband, Brian Hooker, informed officials that she fell into the water with the boat keys, leading to the engine shutting down.
Law enforcement on the Caribbean island disclosed that the 59-year-old man, whose identity was not disclosed, was apprehended in Abaco and is undergoing interrogation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The unexpected development emerged after the couple’s daughter urged for a thorough probe into her mother’s demise, mentioning that certain “previous issues” had come to her attention. A spokesperson from the Coast Guard mentioned late on Wednesday that a criminal investigation had been initiated in the matter.
Authorities did not disclose additional specifics, including whether charges had been filed against the husband. They added that the husband paddled back to shore after his wife fell overboard and promptly reported her disappearance early on Sunday.
According to Bahamian police, “Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her.” Lynette Hooker’s mother, Darlene Hamlett, expressed relief about the arrest but declined to provide further comments, stating she was in search of more information.
Earlier on Wednesday, the mother expressed her desire to hear more from Brian Hooker regarding the events surrounding her daughter’s holiday incident. Ms. Hamlett remarked, “I’m eager to hear his side, as I haven’t heard from him in nearly two days.”
“Our family has always been around water, and Lynette has been close to lakes, boats, sailing, and swimming her entire life. It would be a miracle if she’s found, but I’m still hopeful,” she added. Lynette and Brian had been married for over twenty years and resided in Onsted, Michigan.
Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, speaking to NBC News, doubted that her mother would simply fall off a boat, citing her extensive sailing experience. Aylesworth mentioned that her parents’ relationship was tumultuous, particularly when alcohol was involved. She doubted her mother’s ability to stay afloat for an extended time and believed survival was unlikely but hoped for closure.
Brian Hooker, in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, expressed his sorrow over the tragic boat incident in turbulent seas and strong winds that led to Lynette falling from their small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. He emphasized the ongoing search efforts for her as his primary focus. Bahamian police confirmed that search operations and investigative activities are ongoing.
