The spouse of a woman who disappeared while on a vacation in the Bahamas has been taken into custody. Lynette Hooker, aged 55, went missing on Saturday night after she fell into the water during a boating excursion in the popular holiday destination. According to officials, the American woman was traveling on an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay when her husband, Brian Hooker, informed authorities that she accidentally went overboard with the boat keys, causing the engine to shut off.
Law enforcement in the Caribbean island revealed that the 59-year-old man, whose identity was not disclosed, was apprehended in Abaco and is currently under interrogation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
This development unfolded following a plea from the couple’s daughter for a thorough investigation into her mother’s disappearance, citing previous concerns. A spokesperson from the Coast Guard announced late Wednesday that a criminal probe has been initiated into the incident.
Details regarding any charges against the husband have not been disclosed by the police. It was mentioned that after his wife fell into the water, the husband paddled back to shore and reported her disappearance early Sunday to someone.
Bahamian authorities stated that “Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her.” Lynette Hooker’s mother, Darlene Hamlett, expressed relief over the arrest but declined to provide further comments as she awaits more information.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hamlett expressed her desire to hear more from Brian Hooker regarding the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s incident while on vacation. She remarked, “I’m going to be interested in what he says, because I haven’t heard from him in almost two days.”
“Our family has always been around water, and Lynette has spent her life near lakes, on boats, sailing, and swimming. Though it would be a miracle if she’s rescued, I am still holding onto hope.” The couple, Lynette and Brian, had been married for over twenty years and resided in Onsted, Michigan.
Karli Aylesworth, Lynette Hooker’s daughter, expressed skepticism about her mother accidentally falling off the boat, noting her sailing experience. Aylesworth also mentioned the strained relationship between her parents, particularly when alcohol was involved. While unsure if her mother could have survived treading water for long, she expressed a desire for closure through finding her.
In a statement on Facebook on Wednesday morning, Brian Hooker lamented the tragic boat accident that led to Lynette’s fall, emphasizing their efforts to locate her amidst adverse weather conditions. The Bahamian police confirmed that search operations and investigative activities are ongoing.
