Overview
- The Coast Guard Investigative Service seized the U.S.-flagged sailboat about 40 nautical miles off Melbourne, Florida, then took it to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce for evidence processing.
- The Coast Guard said the seizure followed a complex surveillance and interdiction using Miami-based surface crews and aircraft, and the boat was later towed after losing engine power.
- No criminal charges have been filed, and investigators are asking anyone with information or sightings of nearby boats to submit tips to CGIS.
- Brian Hooker told authorities his wife fell from a dinghy near Hope Town around 7:30 p.m. on April 4, and authorities say he reached Marsh Harbour about 4 a.m. on April 5 after paddling to shore.
- A friend said he returned to the sailboat after a three to four hour search with rescuers on April 5 and stayed aboard for about 24 hours.