American Man Detained After Michigan Woman Disappears From Dinghy in Bahamas

An American man was taken into custody Wednesday evening in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, in connection with the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, a 55-year-old woman from Michigan, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Authorities reported that the 59-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, is being questioned in relation to the incident, which took place Saturday night. According to official police statements, the couple left Hope Town around 7:30 p.m. in an 8-foot, hard-bottom dinghy, heading toward Elbow Cay amid rough seas.

Brian Hooker, Lynette's husband, told police that his wife fell overboard during the journey, taking the boat’s keys with her, which caused the engine to shut off. He said he attempted to reach her but strong currents and winds pushed them apart. Brian Hooker reported paddling for hours before eventually making it to Marsh Harbour Boat Yard early Sunday morning, where authorities were alerted.

On Wednesday, Brian Hooker posted on Facebook expressing devastation over the incident and affirmed his ongoing search for his wife. However, Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has voiced skepticism about her stepfather's account, noting that both Lynette and Brian are experienced sailors with more than a decade of boating experience.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Wednesday that it had initiated a criminal investigation into Lynette Hooker's disappearance but declined to provide further comment.

Local Bahamian officials described the search effort as a "recovery operation" as of Tuesday, indicating dwindling hope of finding Lynette Hooker alive. As of Wednesday night, the man in custody remained under police questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.