Coast Guard Investigates Missing Woman Case in the Bahamas

The U.S. Coast Guard has taken custody of an 8-foot dinghy that Brian Hooker reported was involved in the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, in the Bahamas in early April. On Thursday, CBS News documented the dinghy being retrieved by a tender boat and delivered to a Coast Guard cutter.

Investigators from the Coast Guard Investigative Service were present on the dinghy in the Bahamas. They were seen examining the vessel and holding a life jacket. A cadaver dog was also part of the investigation team. The dinghy may hold clues to the events on the night when Lynette, a 55-year-old from Michigan, went missing.

Brian Hooker had reported his wife missing on April 5. He explained to investigators that she “bounced off” the dinghy during rough seas. According to his account, they embarked on a nighttime ride from Elbow Cay when Lynette fell overboard, carrying the boat keys. This left him to paddle back to shore.

Bahamian authorities initially detained Brian Hooker, but released him after five days of questioning. He returned to the U.S. without any charges and denies any involvement in a crime. Lynette Hooker remains missing.

Authorities gathered GPS data from an electronic device, which seems to contradict Brian’s narrative. This discrepancy has led to a renewed investigation in the Bahamas. Last month, the Coast Guard also seized the sailboat the couple utilized for their island travels.