Search for Clues in Disappearance of Lynette Hooker

A sailboat docked in Florida and a new section of water in The Bahamas are central to the search for Lynette Hooker. Lynette, an American woman, disappeared during a vacation with her husband, Brian Hooker, last month in The Bahamas.

The couple lived on a sailboat named ‘Soulmate,’ often taking sailing trips. Their recent trip in April to The Bahamas ended tragically with Lynette’s disappearance. They had been married for around 25 years. Lynette vanished while returning to their boat on a dinghy in the Sea of Abaco after a night out.

Authorities seized ‘Soulmate’ when it left The Bahamas. The U.S. Coast Guard docked it in Fort Pierce, Florida, then relocated it to Fort Lauderdale. The boat will be thoroughly examined for clues. Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent, stated that investigators will collect any digital devices or systems from the boat.

The Bahamian government has now granted permission for a U.S. dive team to search a new area in the Sea of Abaco. This team aims to find Lynette’s body or uncover new evidence.

Brian Hooker was detained and then released by Bahamian authorities after reporting Lynette missing, claiming she fell overboard. Parker emphasized that the U.S. has jurisdiction, given the U.S. citizenship of both Brian and Lynette, and the U.S. registry of the vessel.

Parker noted that suspects often attempt to evade justice by committing crimes in international waters, wrongly believing they won’t be caught. She highlighted the importance of multiple federal agencies collaborating to hold individuals accountable. Brian Hooker has not been charged with any crime, and his attorney has not provided a comment.