Ivy Edmonds Hutchinson, 81, and her sister Olief Nash, 79, left the mainland for a camping trip to Butler Island on September 19, 2004. They set out in a motorless aluminum rowboat with camping gear; Nash owned a shack on the remote, wooded island and was experienced outdoors, often bringing a chainsaw and a shotgun. The sisters were expected back September 20 and were reported overdue the next morning, prompting a search on September 21.

At the time they departed, Hurricane Ivan was active in the Gulf of Mexico. A local fisherman reportedly warned them about the weather, but they went ahead. No trace of Hutchinson, Nash, their boat, or equipment was ever found. Investigators noted the island’s shallow surrounding waters, which could allow wading to shore if a boat capsized, but also considered that strong winds from the approaching hurricane might have carried their small craft into deeper water. The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation and the sisters are presumed to have perished at sea.

If anyone has memories of the sisters, their habits on Butler Island, or saw them or their rowboat around September 19–21, 2004, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office would want to hear from you.