A search for a Michigan woman who disappeared in the Bahamas has turned into a recovery operation.
Authorities confirmed Tuesday (April 7) that Lynette Hooker went overboard during a boat trip with her husband Saturday night and was swept out to sea.
The two are from Onsted in Lenawee County.
Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, released a statement saying: “I have been privy to very little information. 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.”
What authorities say happened
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Hooker and her husband Brian left Hope Town around 7:30 Saturday night, heading to Elbow Cay in a dinghy to reach their yacht, named “Soulmate.”
Brian Hooker told police that Lynette went overboard along with the boat key, which caused the boat to lose power.
He told officials he last saw his wife swimming toward the shore.
Strong currents then carried her away, police said.
Unable to restart the engine, Brian Hooker had to paddle back to shore, where he alerted the police. Authorities were notified around 4 a.m. Sunday.
Multiday search yields no results
Police on the island of Abaco, members of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, and local fire and rescue teams launched a search operation.
Teams searched for six hours on Sunday without finding any results, according to Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The U.S. Coast Guard later conducted an aerial search.
By Tuesday, the operation officially shifted from search and rescue to recovery.
Documenting journey on social media
The couple had been in the Bahamas since at least February, documenting their journey on TikTok and Instagram under the account name “The Sailing Hookers.”
Lynette posted her last TikTok just two days before she disappeared.
Small town reacts
Many Onsted residents said they learned about Hooker’s disappearance through social media.
Terry Wobrock said he had not personally known Lynette but had been following the story.
“I didn’t know her at all — I’ve tried to look it up and see what’s going on with her, but I haven’t come up with anything,” Wobrock said. “Hopefully, they come up with answers. I know they are looking. It’s a crazy thing that’s happening here in Onsted.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.