Husband released without charges in ongoing investigation into American woman’s disappearance in the Bahamas

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:47:00 +0200

Brian Hooker, an American man whose wife Lynette Hooker disappeared while the couple was sailing in the Bahamas, has been released from custody without being charged, according to authorities. The case centers on the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, a 55-year-old mother and experienced sailor, who was last seen on April 4 while traveling with her husband in a small dinghy near Elbow Cay as they returned to their yacht, the “Soulmate.”

According to Brian Hooker’s account provided to investigators, rough sea conditions, including strong winds and choppy waters, caused Lynette to fall overboard. He stated that strong currents quickly carried her away and that he lost sight of her. After the incident, he attempted to paddle the dinghy to shore, eventually reaching land and contacting authorities. A large-scale search effort was launched involving Bahamian rescue teams and the U.S. Coast Guard, but the operation later shifted from rescue to recovery after days without locating her.

Brian