A phone call recorded shortly after Lynette Hooker’s disappearance raises questions about her husband Brian Hooker’s account of the events. A friend claims the call suggests Brian was in the water with her, challenging his story.
Brian reported that Lynette fell off their dinghy due to rough waters. The couple had left Hope Town in the Bahamas around 7:30 p.m. on April 4. Brian claims he paddled to Marsh Harbour, arriving around 4 a.m. the following day. Their sailboat, Soulmate, served as their retirement home as they often sailed across the U.S. and Caribbean.
Blaine Stevenson, a fellow boater, received a call from Brian two days after Lynette vanished. Stevenson shared with Fox News Digital that Brian’s story in the call implies he was in the water, which contradicts his initial account that he stayed on the dinghy.
Lynette was described as a determined, though not professional, swimmer. On the call, Brian described being hit with a flare pistol and taking multiple waves over the dinghy. He mentioned bailing out water several times, indicating the severity of the situation, while the dinghy’s key was not with him. Brian recounted yelling for Lynette and losing an oar before anchoring the dinghy and throwing a flotation cushion her way.
Maritime law expert Kenneth Engerrand criticized Brian’s inconsistent accounts. He noted the implausibility of being both in the water and bailing out the dinghy.
Authorities, led by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services, ended a four-day search for Lynette. They were spurred by GPS data discrepancies from Brian’s phone, prompting investigations in the waters of the Sea of Abaco. The dinghy was also examined.
Lynette disappeared during their boat trip, and U.S. officials now treat the case as a homicide. Brian’s lawyer urged the public to keep an open mind about his actions and statements.
For further inquiries, Fox News Digital reporter Adam Sabes can be contacted via email or Twitter.