Rescuer Suggests Alcohol May Have Been Factor in Bahamas Disappearance After Woman ‘Fell Overboard’

Lynette Hooker has been missing since authorities said she went overboard while on a dinghy with her husband

A disappearance case in the Bahamas is drawing increasing attention after a woman reportedly went overboard during a boating outing. Authorities and rescuers are continuing their efforts to piece together what happened.

Lynette and Brian Hooker of Michigan were on a dinghy, which left from Hope Town on April 4 on their way to Elbow Cay when she “reportedly fell overboard” with the boat keys, authorities previously said.

Brian has since been arrested by Bahamian authorities and held for questioning.

Richard Cook, a team leader with the Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, told PEOPLE on April 7, “I believe so alcohol was involved.”

“It was just a lot of bad decisions,” Cook said. “Night time, very windy, no moon out yet, so it was pitch dark and very rough conditions for the small boat they were in.”

At the time of the interview, Cook said officials didn’t suspect foul play, but declined to clarify when reached by PEOPLE Thursday, April 9, after Brian was taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Brian’s attorney, Terrel A. Butler, told PEOPLE her client “categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing.”

Before he was arrested, Brian posted on Facebook, saying that “unpredictable seas and high winds” caused Lynette to fall from their boat.

“Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart,” he said. “We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus.”

Police have not announced if Brian will be charged with a crime.