NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
FIRST ON FOX: HOPE TOWN, Bahamas – The U.S. Coast Guard has obtained the dinghy that Brian and Lynette Hooker used the night she vanished in the Bahamas, a U.S. official familiar with the case told Fox News Digital.
The Coast Guard was able to get the dinghy onto its boat as it leads the charge for new clues in the disappearance of Lynette.
Brian had told authorities that she fell off the dinghy while they were en route to their sailboat, Soulmate, in April. She has not been seen since.
The U.S. Coast Guard retrieved the dinghy used by Brian and Lynette Hooker the night she vanished in the Bahamas. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
On Thursday divers were seen plunging into the water in the Bahamas as part of the renewed search to find Lynette, as teams comb both land and sea for evidence in the case.
Members of the US Coast Guard and Bahaman Defence Force search the waters near Hope Town, The Bahamas, Thursday, June 4, 2026. They are looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater, Lynette Hooker who was last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
Members of the US Coast Guard and Bahaman Defence Force search the waters near Hope Town, The Bahamas, Thursday, June 4, 2026. They are looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater, Lynette Hooker who was last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
LYNETTE HOOKER MISSING IN BAHAMAS: TIMELINE OF MICHIGAN WOMAN’S DISAPPEARANCE, HUSBAND’S ARREST
Fox News Digital got an up-close look at how the team has been carrying out the mission, with divers seen scouring the Sea of Abaco near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas.
On land, investigators are relying on help from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office cadaver dog.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
“At this point they will leave no stone unturned. The investigators will backtrack into the last known moment that she was seen based on hard evidence. Then they’ll move forward from there,” said Nicole Parker, former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor.
Brian initially told police his wife went overboard from a dinghy boat and she was swept away by the currents, while he was able to paddle to shore.
Members of the US Coast Guard and Bahaman Defence Force search the waters near Hope Town, The Bahamas, Thursday, June 4, 2026. They are looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater, Lynette Hooker who was last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER
Members of the US Coast Guard and Bahaman Defence Force search the waters near Hope Town, The Bahamas, Thursday, June 4, 2026. They are looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater, Lynette Hooker who was last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
Members of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and Maggie the cadaver dog arrive at the Abaco Inn in Hope Town, The Bahamas, on June 3, 2026, to conduct a search related to missing American boater Lynette Hooker, last seen in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
The specific location where he says she fell overboard allegedly contradicts the GPS data investigators gathered from his cellphone, a U.S. official familiar with the investigation told Fox News Digital.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Bahamian Defence Force arrive at The Abaco Inn in Hope Town, The Bahamas, on June 3, 2026, to conduct a search related to missing American boater Lynette Hooker, last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
As for why officials are also conducting a search for clues on land versus in the water? Parker said it all comes down to ruling out all possible scenarios.
“It would’ve been easy to get rid of her in a remote location at sea or if there are other theories popping up, they [investigators] won’t rule those out,” she said.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ‘CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO’ PODCAST
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard search an area in Hope Town, The Bahamas, on June 3, 2026, looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater Lynette Hooker, who was last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
COAST GUARD SEIZES BRIAN HOOKER’S SAILBOAT AS IT LEAVES BAHAMAS AFTER WIFE’S DISAPPEARANCE: REPORT
Parker believes there is more intel than what is available to the public. “Law enforcement almost always knows much more than what they share,” she said.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard search the waters near Hope Town, The Bahamas, on June 3, 2026, looking for clues in the disappearance of American boater Lynette Hooker, last seen alive in early April. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
“Thankfully, the Bahamas has an excellent relationship with the United States in jointly working these sorts of investigations. Their cooperation and assistance is crucial for potential successful prosecution of this case.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Brian Hooker has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB
Fox News Digital has repeatedly reached out to Hooker’s attorney for comment.
🔎 Have a crime story idea?
📩 Send story tips to: kelsie.cairns@fox.com
📸 Send video/photos and news footage on X: @Kelsie_Cairns