Woman Falls Overboard Between Hope Town and Elbow Cay

Authorities in the Bahamas are searching for an American woman who went missing after falling overboard during a boat trip with her husband on April 4, 2026.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the couple departed from Hope Town on the Abaco Islands in an 8-foot, hard-bottom dinghy. The pair were traveling toward the nearby island of Elbow Cay when the incident occurred.

Incident Details

According to police statements, the excursion began at approximately 7:30 p.m. On April 4. During the trip, the woman fell into the water and was swept away by a strong current.

The woman’s husband informed police that she had the vessel’s keys with her when she fell overboard. This caused the boat’s engine to shut off, leaving the husband to paddle the dinghy for several hours.

Police stated that the husband lost sight of his wife during the event. He eventually reached the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard at approximately 4 a.m. On April 5, where he alerted a passerby who then contacted the authorities.

Search and Investigation

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has launched an investigation into the disappearance. Search efforts in the area are being conducted by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and Hope Town Fire & Rescue.

The identity of the woman has not been released by officials. As of April 6, 2026, the search for the missing woman remains ongoing.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau and the FBI have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

The incident occurs while the Bahamas is under a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. The advisory cautions Americans about the lack of regulation regarding boating in the region, noting that injuries and deaths have occurred.

Anyone with information regarding the missing woman or the case is asked to contact the police at 242-457-1931.