Brian and Lynette Hooker as seen in a photograph shared on their social media account. the_sailing_hookers/Instagram
The daughter of Lynette Hooker, an American woman who is presently missing within the Bahamas, has arrived on the islands alongside her boyfriend to assist in the ongoing search following her stepfather’s, Brian Hooker’s, departure from the country.
Karli Aylesworth, together with her boyfriend Steve Hansen, mentioned that they provided a statement to the Bahamian authorities and intend to retrace the final known route of her mother.
"They are not currently sharing details due to the active investigation, a fact we appreciate," Hansen told ABC News.
"Our frustration stems from our lack of success in locating her thus far; we had hoped for a different outcome by this point," he further stated.
Brian and Lynette Hooker in an image featured on their social media page.the_sailing_hookers/Instagram
Aylesworth's mother, Lynette Hooker, has been unaccounted for since the evening of April 4. Brian Hooker reported that she went overboard. As per Brian Hooker’s statement to officials, the couple had left Hope Town in the Abaco Islands, heading for their yacht, Soulmate, in Elbow Cay, when inclement weather prompted her to fall from their dinghy.
Brian Hooker, age 58, was taken into custody on April 8 and subjected to questioning by law enforcement. He was freed on Monday without any accusations being filed.
Brian Hooker informed ABC News on Tuesday that he had been staying in the Bahamas with the "singular objective" of discovering his wife, "irrespective of the odds."
Cadaver dogs in the Bahamas assisting in the search for the missing American, Lynette Hooker, April 16, 2026.ABC News
At that time, he communicated his intentions "to return to the boat, and seek assistance from others to help locate areas to search."
However, Brian Hooker subsequently departed from the Bahamas. His attorney stated this on Wednesday, pointing out the ill health of his mother.
Hansen revealed that he and Aylesworth were taken aback upon discovering her stepfather’s departure.
"We won’t say that his need to see his ailing mother is unjustified; however, Karli was denied the chance to see her mother before her potential passing," Hansen expressed.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force stated in a released statement on Thursday that search and rescue efforts are still in progress, involving operations that include "extensive patrols along the shoreline, patrols at sea, aerial surveillance via drone, and operations involving submersible drones."
Brian Andrews of ABC News contributed to the reporting of this story.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com