Search Continues for Michigan Woman Missing After Falling From Boat in Bahamas

Authorities in the Bahamas are continuing their search for Lynette Hooker, a 55-year-old Michigan woman who went missing after reportedly falling overboard from a small boat during a trip with her husband. The incident occurred Saturday evening when Lynette and her husband, Brian Hooker, 58, set sail from Hope Town to Elbow Cay aboard an 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Brian Hooker reported that his wife fell into the water with the boat keys, causing the engine to shut off. Strong currents then swept her out to sea. Brian paddled the dinghy for hours before reaching Marsh Harbor Boat Yard at around 4 a.m. Sunday, where he informed someone who then alerted authorities.

Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Troy Pritchard told CBS News that Lynette “apparently bounced out of the boat.” She was wearing a black bathing suit at the time. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts involving the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, local volunteers, and air support from the U.S. Coast Guard Miami Sector, no trace of Lynette has been found as of Monday.

The search has now shifted to a recovery operation, according to Richard Cook, team lead with Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, expressed concern over the circumstances of her mother’s disappearance and called for a thorough investigation. “My sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance,” Aylesworth said. She also noted that “there have been prior issues brought to my attention, which may be important for any thorough investigation.”

The couple, who documented their travels on social media under the name “The Sailing Hookers,” had been in the Bahamas since at least February. Their posts included sailing, snorkeling, and beach activities. Their last TikTok post showed them sailing to Great Guana Cay.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory in March 2025 warning that boating in the Bahamas is “not well regulated,” with injuries and deaths reported. The advisory cautioned travelers about unlicensed watercraft operators and urged adherence to local weather and marine alerts.

Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the case to come forward or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. The FBI and U.S. Department of State have not commented on the ongoing investigation.