The search for Lynette Hooker, an American woman who vanished in the Bahamas two months ago, has resumed as the U.S. Coast Guard investigates new leads. Hooker, 55, disappeared on April 4 while returning to her yacht with her husband, Brian Hooker, in the Abaco Islands.

Investigation and Search Efforts

Initially, local authorities and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force conducted extensive searches with the help of the Coast Guard. Despite these efforts, Lynette was not found, and the search transitioned to a recovery mission on April 7. The Coast Guard then launched a criminal investigation to determine if her disappearance was accidental.

Brian Hooker reported that Lynette fell from their dinghy during rough waters, but inconsistencies in his statements and location data have raised suspicions. The Coast Guard has now been granted permission to search a new area in the Sea of Abaco, near Elbow Cay.

Renewed Search Efforts

Recent efforts involve Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels, with divers and cadaver dogs searching the waters and shores. The Coast Guard has also taken custody of the dinghy involved in the incident and requested DNA samples from Lynette’s family to aid in the investigation.

Steve Hathaway, a former Coast Guard search and rescue member, noted the challenges of finding remains in water after an extended period. Despite the difficulties, the search continues in hopes of uncovering evidence to clarify the circumstances of Lynette Hooker’s disappearance.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.