A sailboat docked in Florida and a nearby section of water in the Sea of Abaco in The Bahamas will undergo searches to uncover clues in the disappearance of Lynette Hooker. The American woman went missing in The Bahamas last month while vacationing with her husband, Brian Hooker.
The couple lived aboard a sailboat named “Soulmate.” They often took sailing trips for their vacations. Their latest trip to The Bahamas turned tragic when Lynette vanished. Family members disclosed that Brian and Lynette Hooker have been married for approximately 25 years.
Lynette reportedly disappeared while the couple traveled back to their boat on a dinghy after an evening out in the Sea of Abaco. Authorities seized the boat as it left The Bahamas, and the U.S. Coast Guard docked “Soulmate” in Fort Pierce, Florida. Later, officials transferred the sailboat to a port in Fort Lauderdale.
A U.S. official involved in the investigation revealed to Fox News Digital that “Soulmate” would be moved to a warehouse for further inspection. Former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker stated that the search would include any digital devices or computer systems found on board.
On Thursday, Fox News Digital confirmed that the Bahamian government permitted the U.S. to dispatch a dive team to explore a new area in the Sea of Abaco. The team aims to locate Lynette’s body or discover new evidence related to her disappearance.
Brian Hooker was initially detained and then released from Bahamian custody following Lynette’s disappearance. He reported that Lynette fell overboard from their dinghy earlier in the month. Although the incident occurred in The Bahamas, the U.S. retains jurisdiction because the Hookers, both U.S. citizens, were on a U.S.-flagged vessel.
In similar cases, suspects often commit crimes in international waters believing they will evade capture. However, Parker emphasized that several federal agencies are likely involved in this investigation. “It’s a team effort, and many times people think nothing will happen because they are in a foreign country, but they are wrong,” she said.
As of now, Brian Hooker has not faced any charges or allegations of wrongdoing. Attempts to reach his attorney for comment were unsuccessful.