The daughter of a missing American woman in the Bahamas is urging for a comprehensive investigation into her mother’s mysterious disappearance. This comes amidst revelations of “prior issues” that have come to light since the incident. Authorities report that the woman, identified as 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, allegedly fell off a boat, leading to her current unknown whereabouts.
Bahamian officials have detailed the events leading up to Lynette’s disappearance. She and her husband, 58-year-old Brian Hooker, departed the Abaco Inn from Hope Town around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. They were traveling in a small boat, aiming to reach their yacht, with plans to head towards Elbow Cay.
During their journey on the 8-foot dinghy, a critical incident occurred. Authorities state that Lynette Hooker fell into the water, taking the ignition key with her. This unfortunate mishap resulted in the engine shutting off, leaving the couple stranded.
As the current swept Lynette away, Brian Hooker was left with no choice but to paddle to a marina at Marsh Harbor. There, he reported his wife’s disappearance at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, marking the start of an ongoing search and investigation.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has expressed her determination for a thorough investigation. Aylesworth, who is not Brian Hooker’s biological daughter, is particularly concerned about the circumstances surrounding her mother’s disappearance and seeks clarity on the matter.
Aylesworth’s biological father is not Brian Hooker.
“There have been prior issues brought to my attention, which may be important for any thorough investigation. If this truly was an accident, I can understand and live with it,” Aylesworth said. “However, there needs to be an intensive review of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident before that can be determined.”
“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,” she added.
Aylesworth said she has been “privy to very little information,” adding her “sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to US federal authorities as well as local and state authorities in Michigan, where the couple lives.
Authorities haven’t said if Lynette Hooker was wearing a life jacket at the time she fell off the small boat.
The couple is very active on social media, largely showcasing their yacht.
Their most recent Instagram post was made on Friday afternoon showcasing a small boat with the caption, “Not going anywhere for a while?!”
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating the woman’s disappearance along with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Hope Town Fire & Rescue.
Due to crime, the US State Department currently says the Bahamas is under a level 2 travel advisory and urges Americans to “exercise increased caution” due to crime, beach safety, as well as jet skis and boating.
A spokesperson for the State Department told Fox News Digital, “We are aware of reports regarding a missing American near Elbow Cay in the Abacos in The Bahamas and are working with Bahamian authorities to provide assistance.”
The State Department said that boating in the Bahamas isn’t well regulated, stating that “injuries and deaths have occurred.”
