Coast Guard Examines Dinghy from 2026 Disappearance of Michigan Woman Lynette Hooker
U.S. Coast Guard investigators have taken possession of the eight-foot dinghy from which Lynette Hooker, 55, disappeared in the Sea of Abaco in early April 2026. The sailboat the couple lived on is also under examination.
New York PostU.S. Coast Guard seized the eight-foot dinghy Lynette Hooker was riding when she disappeared in the Sea of Abaco, Bahamas, in early April 2026. Crew members loaded the small open craft onto a truck for evidence examination.
Divers and cadaver dogs searched a new area of the Sea of Abaco this week. The renewed effort followed the discovery that GPS data from Brian Hooker’s phone did not match statements he gave detectives. Brian Hooker, 59, was detained as a suspect after his wife vanished but was released days later.
He has not been charged. Investigators obtained clearance in May 2026 to search the couple’s sailboat “Soulmate,” which they seized from the Bahamas and first docked in Fort Pierce, Florida, before moving it to Fort Lauderdale. Lynette Hooker’s body has not been recovered.
The couple lived aboard “Soulmate” and were returning to the vessel in the dinghy when she disappeared. Those close to the couple said Brian Hooker was allegedly abusive and described the marriage as turbulent. ” “She was trying to get away from the domestic violence situation, so I hope that justice is served,” Plentz added.
