(HOPE TOWN, BAHAMAS) - Bahamian police have released a southern Michigan man who had been questioned for several days after his wife disappeared from the couple's boat.
Authorities say Brian Hooker of Onsted had been in custody since April 8 after reporting that his wife, 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, fell overboard April 4 while the couple traveled in an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay.
Hooker told police Lynette had the boat's keys when she went into the water, causing the engine to shut off. He says strong currents carried her away and he later paddled ashore before reporting her missing the next morning.
Police say prosecutors recommended against filing charges at this time, though the investigation remains active. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a separate investigation.
The couple, who documented their sailing life online, are from Onsted in Lenawee County. Family members have publicly questioned whether Lynette's disappearance was accidental, citing her years of sailing experience.