Boater Brian Hooker Describes Flares After Wife Lynette Falls Overboard in Bahamas

m. on April 5, approximately nine hours after he said his 55-year-old wife, Lynette Hooker, fell overboard from a dinghy in rough waters. A security guard at the boatyard, Edward Smith, reported that Hooker appeared exhausted and asked for water to drink.

Smith stated that Hooker did not initially seem suspicious during the encounter. Hooker described the incident to Smith, saying he and his wife had been at a cay, possibly at a bar, before heading back to their yacht in the dinghy. According to Smith, Hooker explained that rough weather caused Lynette to fall overboard.

Smith noted that Hooker ranted about a key and a woman during the conversation. Hooker told Smith he fired two flares to signal for help after the incident. He said a boat passed by after the first flare but did not respond, and the same occurred after the second flare.

Smith recalled asking Hooker about the location of his wife, to which Hooker replied that she was in the water. m. and Hooker's arrival at the boatyard. Hooker explained that strong winds blew the dinghy away from Lynette, and he could not see her in the dark.

He stated he drifted until reaching the shore. m. on April 5. m. Detectives returned to the boatyard on Saturday, according to a second employee. Police arrested Hooker on Wednesday for questioning related to Lynette's disappearance.

m. EMT on Monday to determine whether to charge or release him. A flotation device has been found, but no signs of Lynette's body have been located. Hooker has denied involvement in his wife's disappearance.

In a social media post before his arrest, he described the event as a boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused Lynette to fall from the dinghy. He stated he was heartbroken over the incident. The couple was returning to their yacht when the dinghy encountered rough conditions.

Relatives and neighbors have described their relationship as involving violence, though no further details on this were provided by witnesses at the boatyard. The search for Lynette continues amid the ongoing investigation.