U.S. Coast Guard Launches Criminal Investigation Into Disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas

Bahamas police said they took a man into custody on April 8, but did not share his name

Lynette Hooker, reported missing by her husband Brian Hooker, after she reportedly fell overboard.Credit : Lynette Hooker/Facebook; CBS Mornings/YouTube

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The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed it is conducting a criminal investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas, where local police also said a man was taken into custody
Lynette Hooker and her husband Brian Hooker departed Hope Town, in the Bahamas, on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. local time on a small dinghy to make their way to Elbow Cay, Brian told authorities
Lynette’s daughter previously told PEOPLE said she has been “privy to very little information” but insisted her “sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance”

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed it is conducting a criminal investigation into the disappearance of an American woman in the Bahamas on Wednesday, April 8. Local police also said a suspect was arrested.

Lynette Hooker and her husband Brian Hooker departed Hope Town, in the Bahamas, on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. local time on a small dinghy to make their way to Elbow Cay, Brian later reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The RBPF said in a statement that a 59-year-old American male was taken into custody after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, in Marsh Harbor. The man is now being questioned in connection with Lynette’s disappearance.

The U.S. Coast Guard initially joined the rescue efforts on Tuesday, April 7.

“Since the incident, extensive search-and-rescue operations have been carried out by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Local Fire & Rescue Teams, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), and the United States Coast Guard,” the RBPF wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

“These efforts have spanned marine, land, and aerial areas, with additional support from drone technology and professional divers,” RBPF added, noting that the search remains active.

Lynette, 55, allegedly fell overboard with the boat keys, leaving Brian, 58, to paddle back to shore to alert authorities early on Sunday, police said in a statement.

“Strong currents … carried [Lynette] away, and [Brian] lost sight of her,” police said.

In a statement previously obtained by PEOPLE, Lynette’s daughter Karli Aylesworth said she has been “privy to very little information” but insisted her “sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance.”

Lynette Hooker.Lynette Hooker/Instagram

“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 said.

In her statement, she went on to claim that “there have been prior issues brought to my attention, which may be important for any thorough investigation,” although she did not elaborate.

“If this truly was an accident, I can understand and live with it,” Aylesworth continued. “However, there needs to be an intensive review of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident before that can be determined.”

PEOPLE has followed up with Aylesworth amid the news that the investigation has taken a criminal turn.