American Woman Lynette Hooker Missing at Sea After Going Overboard on Dinghy in the Bahamas, Husband Says Search Turns to Recovery

An American woman, Lynette Hooker, is missing in the Bahamas after reportedly going overboard from a dinghy while traveling with her husband, Brian Hooker, authorities said. Strong currents carried her out to sea, and a search and rescue operation is now underway.

The couple had departed Hope Town on the Abaco Islands for Elbow Cay around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, heading to their yacht, the Soulmate. According to Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief Stafford Patterson, Lynette Hooker fell overboard due to poor weather, and the boat’s engine shut off when she was holding the dinghy key.

"Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her," the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement.

Brian Hooker paddled the 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy to a marina, arriving around 4 a.m. Sunday, where he reported his wife missing.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Authorities launched a search involving Bahamian and U.S. teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, which deployed an aircraft to assist in locating Hooker. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to piece together the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Family Statement

Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, released a statement Monday:

"I have been privy to very little information. My sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance. While the Royal Bahamian police are investigating this matter, I would also appreciate any involvement of the federal, state, or local authorities to look into the circumstances of this tragic situation."

Official Response

The U.S. State Department said it is aware of reports regarding a missing American near Elbow Cay and is coordinating with Bahamian authorities to provide assistance. A March 2025 travel advisory for the Bahamas warned that “boating is not well regulated” and that injuries and deaths have occurred in the area.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the search for Lynette Hooker continues.