Search Underway for Missing American Woman in the Bahamas

Thu Apr 09 2026 08:48:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Authorities are actively searching for Lynette Hooker, a U.S. woman who went missing after falling overboard while vacationing in the Bahamas.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is currently investigating the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, who reportedly fell off a boat and was swept away by currents while on a trip with her husband. Multiple agencies are involved in the search efforts, highlighting concerns over boating safety in the Bahamas.

Police in the Bahamas are searching for an American woman who disappeared after reportedly falling overboard from a small boat while vacationing with her husband.

Her husband told authorities that she went missing on Saturday at about 19:30 local time after falling from an 8ft hard-bottom dinghy and being swept out to sea by strong currents. The couple had left Hope Town for Elbow Cay when the incident occurred.

In a statement, the Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed they are investigating the case and multiple agencies are involved in the ongoing search for the missing woman. According to the chief of the Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, she apparently bounced out of the boat, and strong currents carried her away, making her disappear from sight.

The husband managed to paddle the boat to the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard at around 04:00 local time on Sunday and informed someone there about his wife's disappearance, which led to the authorities being contacted.

Assistance is being provided by U.S. counterparts, volunteers, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Local authorities have identified the missing woman as Lynette Hooker from Michigan. The U.S. State Department had previously issued a travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning of dangerous boating conditions and stating that boating is not well regulated in the area, which can lead to injuries and fatalities.