Photo: Getty Images
The first photos of the boat Lynette Hooker and her husband, Brian, were sailing on prior to her going missing in the Bahamas on April 4 were obtained and shared by the New York Post on Friday (April 17).
The boat, named "The Soulmate," was anchored off Marsh Harbour on Great Abacco Island and included a flag that stated, "A Pirate's Life for Me." The 45-foot vessel had two paddle boards, a grill and workout equipment with a black sail and an image of Cookie Monster, as well as a tattered American flag, a statue of Buddha, conch shells and an aloe plant.
Brian, 59, was detained on April 8 and released on Monday (April 13) after investigators failed to file charges against him, which could still happen as the investigation continues. The husband told authorities that his wife fell overboard as they were traveling back through rough waters near Elbow Cay.
The captain of a boat that ferried the New York Post to the harbor Thursday (April 16) expressed doubts while discussing Brian's side of the story.
“This is the calmest side of the island,” he said, referring to water in the cove, which is typically estimated to be between 3 to 14 feet deep. “And it was a predominantly calm weather day.”
“There is no reason to take a dinghy out here — I’ve never seen anyone do it and I’ve never done it. It makes no sense to take a dinghy out here,” he added. “There are always a lot of boats out here, so someone would have been out here and helped them if they called for help, absolutely.”
Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, also told NBC News that her mother and stepfather had a volatile relationship. Aylesworth said it's unlikely that her experienced mariner mother would "just fall" off the boat and said the couple had a "history of not getting along, especially when they drink."
Aylesworth said her stepfather notified her of her mother's disappearance in a "monotone and relaxed" voice during a phone call on Sunday (April 5).
“I was in shock,” she said. “I was like, my mom’s missing? Like, what?”
Aylesworth had previously shared a statement regarding her mother's disappearance on Monday.
"I have been privy to very little information. My sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance," she said.
"While the Royal Bahamian police are investigating this matter, I would also appreciate any involvement of the federal, state or local authorities to look into the circumstances of this tragic situation," Aylesworth added.