The husband of missing American woman Lynette Hooker has been arrested in the Bahamas as investigators widen their probe into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance during a boating trip earlier this month.
Brian Hooker, a US national, was taken into custody by the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Wednesday for further questioning in connection with the disappearance of his 55-year-old wife, Lynette Hooker, who reportedly fell overboard from a small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands on April 4.
Authorities said the couple had departed Hope Town for a short trip when the incident occurred late in the evening.
According to initial accounts shared by police, Lynette allegedly went overboard while the vessel was underway in rough conditions, after which strong currents are believed to have swept her away.
Hooker, 58, later returned to shore and alerted authorities, stating that he lost sight of his wife in the water.
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving local emergency teams, the Bahamas Defence Force, air and sea units, drones, and the US Coast Guard has been underway since April 5, but she remains missing.
Investigators have now shifted the case into a criminal inquiry, with US federal agencies also monitoring developments.
Officials confirmed that Hooker was detained on Wednesday evening in Marsh Harbour for additional questioning based on probable cause, though no charges have been filed so far.
Hooker’s attorney has maintained that he “categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing” and has been cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation.
Meanwhile, Lynette Hooker’s family has urged a deeper probe into the circumstances of the incident, citing concerns and requesting involvement of broader law enforcement agencies.
Her daughter has said the family has received limited information and wants clarity on what transpired during the ill-fated trip.
Authorities say the search for Lynette Hooker remains active as the investigation continues.
