Updated May 10, 2026 — CBS News
U.S. Coast Guard investigators have seized the sailboat named Soulmate, which was used by Brian and Lynette Hooker while traveling in the Bahamas, according to two people familiar with the probe. The vessel left Marsh Harbour on Friday and was intercepted and taken into Coast Guard custody Saturday as it was heading toward the United States.
The seizure comes as the Coast Guard Investigative Service has stepped up its examination into the disappearance of Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Investigators have been conducting interviews with potential witnesses and, last week, released images of another sailboat they wanted to locate and speak with its occupants or owner about.
Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, posted a Mother’s Day video saying she knew the Soulmate had departed the Bahamas but had not received any new information from investigators. In the message she described the day as difficult, saying it was hard to accept that her mother is no longer just a text away.
Lynette Hooker was last reported seen on the night of April 4, 2026, near Aunt Pat’s Bay, close to Elbow Cay and Hope Town. Her husband, Brian Hooker, told local authorities that she fell overboard during a nighttime dinghy ride. He has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged. Bahamian authorities held him for questioning for five days before releasing him.
After his release, Brian Hooker traveled to the United States to be with his ailing mother, according to his Bahamian attorney. His current location is not publicly known, and his U.S.-based attorney declined to comment to CBS News.
The investigation remains active. Officials have not disclosed further details about the reasons for seizing the Soulmate or about any evidence found on board. Law enforcement agencies have not announced charges in connection with Hooker’s disappearance.