The U.S. Coast Guard seized the sailboat 'Soulmate' about 40 miles off the coast of Melbourne on May 14. The vessel, used by Brian and Lynette Hooker, was taken into custody in international waters as it left the Bahamas. Lynette Hooker, 55, was reported missing by her husband on April 4 after she allegedly fell from a dinghy during a trip near Great Abaco Island. The Coast Guard confirmed the seizure but said no further details would be released due to the ongoing investigation.
Brian Hooker was arrested by Bahamian police on April 8 and released four days later. He told authorities his wife fell overboard while carrying the boat’s keys and was swept away by strong currents. He later deleted a social media post in which he described himself as 'heartbroken.' The couple had documented their travels on platforms like TikTok, sharing videos of their journey from Hope Town to Elbow Bay before rough weather struck.
The Coast Guard’s investigation includes reviewing the couple’s activities and the circumstances surrounding Lynette Hooker’s disappearance. The boat was seized with support from multiple Coast Guard surface and aviation units. Officials emphasized the case remains active and under scrutiny. No charges have been filed against Brian Hooker, who has denied any wrongdoing.
Neighbors in Melbourne said the Hookers had no known connections to the area but had visited Brevard County in previous years. Local law enforcement has not commented on the case, deferring to federal authorities. The Coast Guard’s focus remains on the Bahamian waters where the incident occurred, though the seized boat is now in the custody of the Coast Guard Investigative Service in Florida.
The case has drawn attention from residents and media, with some questioning why the boat was allowed to leave the Bahamas. The Coast Guard said the seizure was part of a broader effort to gather evidence. As of now, Lynette Hooker’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the investigation continues.