Infrared Camera on Hooker Sailboat Could Hold Clues in Disappearance Case

By May 26, 2026 / 1:01 PM EDT / CBS News obtained information about the sailboat used by Brian and Lynette Hooker during their journey in the Bahamas. Prior to Lynette’s disappearance, the boat had an infrared camera capable of detecting heat radiation.

The camera, manufactured by FLIR, can operate with a cloud memory system, which might contain crucial evidence related to Lynette Hooker’s disappearance. Her husband reported on April 5 that she fell overboard during a nighttime dinghy ride.

The sailboat, named “Soulmate,” was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this month. Sources connected to the investigation confirm this detail. While there’s no confirmation of Brian Hooker’s use of the camera, it is under examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

This infrared camera serves as a safety feature for boaters, particularly beneficial for nighttime navigation. It can help detect individuals who might fall overboard and prevent collisions in complete darkness. Fox News initially reported the presence of the camera.

A friend of the couple, Daniel Danforth, mentioned to CBS News that Brian Hooker demonstrated the device when they were all docked in New Orleans back in March 2023. The Coast Guard Investigative Services is actively examining Lynette Hooker’s disappearance. Brian Hooker has denied any involvement in wrongdoing. He has faced questioning in the Bahamas but was released and returned to the U.S.