Police in the Bahamas confirmed late on Wednesday that they have arrested the husband of a US woman who disappeared while aboard a boat near the archipelago. The 59-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was taken into custody in Abaco and is currently being questioned by investigators.
Coast Guard Launches Criminal Probe
A spokesperson for the Coast Guard informed The Associated Press late Wednesday that a criminal investigation has been initiated into the case. Police have refrained from providing additional details, including whether formal charges have been filed against the arrested individual.
Details of the Disappearance
Lynette Hooker, aged 55, was reportedly traveling with her husband, Brian Hooker, 58, in an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay on Saturday night. According to statements from officials, Brian Hooker told authorities that his wife fell overboard, and the boat keys went with her, causing the engine to shut off.
Brian Hooker then paddled the dinghy to shore and alerted someone about the incident early on Sunday morning. He stated that he last saw his wife swimming towards the shore before he lost sight of her entirely.
Search Operation Transitions to Recovery
Search-and-rescue teams announced on Tuesday that the mission to locate Lynette Hooker had transitioned from a search operation to a recovery effort. This shift indicates a grim outlook for finding her alive, though authorities have not confirmed any findings.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the subsequent arrest of her husband. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the events leading up to Lynette Hooker's vanishing.
