The FBI is now investigating the disappearance of a Delray Beach woman who has not been seen since a Bahamas Boat trip.
Isabella Hellmann, 41, a Delray Beach Realtor, was reported missing May 15 in the Atlantic ocean, about 70 miles southeast of Key West, after the catamaran she and her husband were traveling on was said to be sinking.
The Coast Guard suspended its search three days later but her husband, Lewis Bennett, has vowed to continue searching on his own. Bennett told WPTV he planned to fly to Cuba Wednesday, then obtain a boat. He said his family was “distraught” and he felt he had to do something to help find his new wife.
Hellman and Bennett were enjoying a two-week vacation. Bennett told authorities he was sleeping below deck at about 1:30 a.m. Monday and awoke after the boat struck something, then went topside but did not see his wife.
Bennett left the sinking boat in a life raft and was recovered at around 4:30 a.m. that morning, about 1,000 yards from the boat in water 4,800 feet deep. He told investigators Hellmann was wearing a life vest the last time he saw her, not long after the catamaran left Cuba at 8 p.m. Sunday.
The FBI has not commented on if they suspect foul play.