Coast Guard to Request Bahamas Permission for U.S. Divers in Lynette Hooker Search
The Coast Guard Investigative Service plans to seek Bahamian approval to deploy U.S. divers in additional search zones. The request follows new forensic leads from electronic devices belonging to Lynette Hooker's husband.
abcnews.go.comS. S. officials. Forensic evidence recovered from electronic devices belonging to Lynette Hooker's husband, Brian Hooker, has directed investigators to previously unsearched locations.
Hooker was reported overboard the evening of April 4 after the couple left Hope Town on a dinghy bound for their yacht, the Soulmate. Brian Hooker told authorities that bad weather caused the incident. Brian Hooker was arrested April 8, questioned by police, and released April 13 without charges.
On April 14 he told ABC News he intended to remain in the Bahamas to search for his wife. Hours after that interview, Brian Hooker departed the Bahamas; his attorney stated he wished to be with his terminally ill mother. S. Coast Guard has seized the couple's boat and is holding it in Florida.
Karli Aylesworth, Lynette Hooker's daughter and Brian Hooker's stepdaughter, has told ABC News she doubted Brian Hooker's account of events.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- April 4, 2026
Lynette Hooker reported missing after going overboard near Hope Town, Bahamas.
1 sourceABC News - April 8, 2026
Brian Hooker arrested and questioned by police.
1 sourceABC News - April 13, 2026
Brian Hooker released without charges.
1 sourceABC News - April 14, 2026
Brian Hooker told ABC News he planned to stay in the Bahamas to search for his wife.
1 sourceABC News - May 27, 2026
Coast Guard Investigative Service preparing to request permission for U.S. divers to search new areas.
1 sourceABC News
Potential Impact
- 01
Bahamian authorities will decide whether to grant permission for additional U.S. divers.
- 02
Search operations may expand to previously unsearched locations if permission is granted.
- 03
Investigators may obtain new forensic leads if additional areas are searched.
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