Royal Bahamas Police arrested Brian Hooker, 59, of Onsted, Michigan, on Wednesday evening in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, 55. Authorities took the U.S. citizen into custody shortly after 7 p.m. for additional questioning based on probable cause, though no charges have been announced.

Lynette Hooker vanished Saturday night during a short boat trip from Hope Town to Elbow Cay aboard an 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy. The couple, experienced sailors who owned the yacht Soulmate, departed around 7:30 p.m. amid rough seas and high winds. Brian Hooker told police that his wife fell overboard while holding the boat keys, which shut off the engine. Strong currents carried her away as he attempted to reach her before paddling the dinghy to shore, arriving at Marsh Harbour Boat Yard around 4 a.m. Sunday.

Someone at the boat yard alerted authorities after Brian Hooker reported the incident. Lynette was wearing a black bathing suit at the time. The Royal Bahamian Defence Force led extensive aerial, marine, and land searches near Elbow Cay, but shifted the effort to recovery by Tuesday, reflecting low expectations of finding her alive.

The U.S. Coast Guard opened a criminal investigation Wednesday through its Criminal Investigative Service, coordinating with the U.S. Attorney's Office, as the incident involved U.S. nationals on international waters. A Coast Guard official confirmed the probe but provided no further details.

Brian Hooker's attorney, Terrel Butler, stated his client "categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing" and has cooperated with authorities. In a Facebook post, Hooker expressed heartbreak: "I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident... Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her, and that is my sole focus."

Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, voiced skepticism about the account. An experienced swimmer and boater with over a decade of sailing, her mother rarely handled the keys, as Brian typically drove, Aylesworth said. She alleged a history of domestic violence, including choking incidents and threats to throw Lynette overboard, and noted Brian delayed informing her by about 24 hours. Lynette's mother, Darlene Hamlett, has not heard from Brian in nearly two days and seeks answers.

The couple had split and reconciled in recent years, according to Aylesworth. Local Michigan outlets reported the Hookers as residents of Lenawee County. Police have not commented further on the investigation's progress.