Additional Coverage:
- CBS’ Tony Dokoupil shares major Lynette Hooker update as authorities seek information (themirror.com)
Tony Dokoupil Shares New Developments in Lynette Hooker Disappearance Case
On the May 5 broadcast of CBS Evening News, anchor Tony Dokoupil provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, a 55-year-old woman reported missing after allegedly falling overboard near the Bahamas last month.
Federal investigators are now appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the owners of an unidentified sailboat captured in grainy images near the scene. The U.S.
Coast Guard Investigative Service discovered these images showing a sailboat moored close to the vessel Soulmate in Aunt Pat’s Bay on the night of April 4, the night Lynette vanished. Authorities hope to locate the boat’s owner or occupants to gather any relevant information about that evening.
A statement from the Coast Guard emphasized, “The owners/occupants of the sailing vessel may have information relevant to the CGIS investigation.” Meanwhile, investigators continue to conduct interviews related to the case.
According to Lynette’s husband, Brian, the couple left a restaurant around 7:30 p.m. on April 4 and took their dinghy back to their anchored sailboat. He alleges that Lynette fell into rough waters and began swimming toward the boat as he drifted away. Brian was subsequently held and questioned by police for five days regarding her disappearance.
The couple had been living aboard their sailboat for four years. While Brian described their life at sea as “fantastic,” comparing their partnership to “co-captains,” previously obtained text messages suggest Lynette had concerns about their relationship and life on the water.
In one message, she reportedly told an unnamed recipient, “It was real bad. I can’t be out there with him.”
Lynette’s daughter, Carly Alsworth, has called for a thorough investigation to uncover all the facts and ensure justice, stating, “I want a thorough investigation so we know all the facts and justice can be served if he did something.”
Brian denies any involvement in his wife’s disappearance and remains committed to continuing the search. He shared, “My goal is to go back and speak with fire and rescue volunteers.
They have been, I believe, still looking whenever they can.” He added, “I won’t be able to stop looking.
I’m going to need someone with more authority to tell me to stop. I’m not really capable of just turning away from this.”
CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m.