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2w ago

Coast Guard Concludes Bahamas Search and Brings Dinghy to U.S. in Lynette Hooker Case

New GPS and device data that conflict with the husband’s account prompted targeted searches and the dinghy’s transfer for U.S. forensic testing.

A USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105) boat crew and U.S. Coast Guard Divers search for a missing person during a CGIS investigation in the Bahamas, Jun. 3, 2026. The Coast Guard's efforts were supported by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and K-9 Maggie from the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Coast Guard units included the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105), home ported in Miami, Florida, and Coast Guard divers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkofski)
USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105) boat crew and CGIS Investigators search for a missing person during a CGIS investigation in the Bahamas, Jun. 2, 2026. Search operations employed a range of specialized capabilities, including divers, remotely operated underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and a cadaver dog to thoroughly examine newly identified areas of interest. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)
U.S. Coast Guard Divers search for a missing person during a CGIS investigation in the Bahamas, Jun. 3, 2026. The Coast Guard's efforts were supported by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and K-9 Maggie from the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Coast Guard units included the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105), home ported in Miami, Florida, and Coast Guard divers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkofski)
A USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105) boat crew and CGIS Investigators search for a missing person during a CGIS investigation in the Bahamas, Jun. 2, 2026. Search operations employed a range of specialized capabilities, including divers, remotely operated underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and a cadaver dog to thoroughly examine newly identified areas of interest. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Overview

  • Lynette Hooker, 55, was reported missing after her husband said she went overboard from a dinghy on April 4 while the couple were traveling from Hope Town to their yacht in the Sea of Abaco.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard announced it finished its focused search on June 5 and publicly confirmed the mission wrapped up in statements released the following week.
  • Coast Guard Investigative Service took custody of the couple’s dinghy and transported it to the United States for lab work while the couple’s sailboat Soulmate remains seized and is being forensically processed.
  • Investigators reopened targeted search areas after GPS and electronic data extracted from devices disagreed with the husband’s account, and Bahamian authorities briefly detained the husband in April before releasing him without charges while he remains a person of interest.
  • The criminal probe continues with U.S. agencies coordinating with Bahamian officials, no body has been recovered, no charges have been filed, and authorities are asking the public to submit tips to assist the investigation.