Federal investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in the case of missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker, focusing particularly on identifying the owners of a sailboat that was docked close to her and her husband Brian’s vessel on the night she disappeared in the Bahamas.
The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service issued a public request on Tuesday, seeking information regarding Lynette Hooker’s unexplained disappearance near Aunt Pat’s Bay on the evening of April 4.
Investigators are especially interested in locating the owner of a sailboat, images of which have been released by the agency. This boat was anchored near the Hookers’ 45-foot sailboat, known as the “SV Soulmate.”
Authorities are expanding their search for evidence beyond the path where Brian Hooker, 59, reported that his wife, 55-year-old Lynette, fell off an 8-foot dinghy while navigating rough waters back to their sailboat near Elbow Cay, according to CBS News.
Brian Hooker stated that his wife of 25 years fell into the water with the dinghy’s keys in her possession. He claimed that after losing sight of her, he paddled back to shore.
Officials are now seeking any potential witnesses who may have been near the couple’s sailboat before or during the time Lynette was reported missing. They are actively conducting interviews as part of the ongoing investigation, as reported by the outlet.
The Post previously got an exclusive look at the Soulmate as it was anchored in a cove off Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island.
The vessel was carrying two paddle boards, a grill, and workout equipment, along with a sail with an image of Cookie Monster. It was also decked out with a tattered American flag, a Buddha statue, conch shells, an aloe plant, and everyday sailing items.
Brian was detained by Bahamian authorities in connection with his wife’s disappearance and later released after investigators failed to file charges against him.
He left the Bahamas, reportedly to deal with another family emergency, one day after he vowed that his “sole focus” was finding his wife.
Blaine Stevenson, a friend of the couple, told CBS News that he sent a message to Brian, asking him to be forthcoming with authorities about the fateful night of his wife’s disappearance.
“They [Lynette Hooker’s family] trusted you with their loved one, and you didn’t live up to it,” Stevenson told the outlet, referring to his message. “So, now’s the time for you to live up to that, and take care of them, and give them the answers they’re looking for.”
Brian has been accused of being abusive toward Lynette by her loved ones, who suspect he played a role in her disappearance.
Lynette’s mother revealed that her daughter considered leaving Brian multiple times, and painted him as a “mean” and “hateful” drunk.
Lynette’s daughter from a previous marriage also claimed that her stepdad had a violent history, including choking out Lynette and eerily threatening to throw her overboard.
Brian was also charged with fourth-degree child abuse in 2005 when he allegedly choked his daughter, whom he shared with an ex-partner, during a disagreement over her Christian beliefs.
In 2015, Brian accused Lynette of bashing him in the face, while Lynette claimed he choked her out and punched her in the forehead in a drunken rage.
Brian has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, asserting in an interview with NBC News that he “would never harm” his wife.
The Coast Guard is asking anyone who knows the identity of the pictured sailboat’s owner or occupants, or has information related to Lynette’s disappearance, to submit tips through the CGIS Tips app.
