Search intensifies for missing woman who vanished at sea in the Bahamas

A search-and-rescue mission is intensifying for a 56-year-old woman who vanished at sea in the Bahamas.

(NBC)- Authorities say Lynette Hooker disappeared during an evening boat ride with her husband, Brian Hooker. Video obtained by NBC News shows rescue crews combing the waters in the hours after she went missing.

According to police, the couple left around 7:30 p.m. Saturday on an eight-foot dinghy, traveling from Hope Town to Elbow Cay.

Brian Hooker told investigators that Lynette fell overboard and was swept away by strong currents, reportedly taking the boat key with her. With the engine no longer running, he said he was forced to paddle back to shore, arriving around 4 a.m. to get help.

Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, says she is devastated and still in shock. She also told NBC News that her mother and stepfather had a volatile relationship, especially when alcohol was involved.

The couple had reportedly been in the Bahamas for about a month, documenting their travels on social media before Lynette’s disappearance.

Aylesworth says she has struggled to get updates from authorities and fears time is running out.

NBC News has reached out to Brian Hooker multiple times but has not received a response.