New details have emerged from a courageous Coast Guard member who helped save over 200 children at Camp Mystic during the deadly floods in Texas.
The disaster has now claimed at least 91 lives, with many still missing, as the Lone Star State reels from the severe flooding caused by relentless rain.
The Guadalupe River swelled rapidly, triggering catastrophic floods that resulted in significant loss of life and destruction across Texas.
Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the river in Kerr County, was among the hardest hit. Late last week, the camp released a heartfelt statement.
“Our hearts are shattered alongside the families enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We continue to pray for them,” the organization said. “We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming support from the community, first responders, and officials at all levels.”
As of now, ten campers and one counselor remain missing. CNN reports that 27 campers and staff members lost their lives in the floods.
However, thanks to the heroic actions of 26-year-old Coast Guard member Scott Ruskan, who helped coordinate the evacuation of 165 people from the camp on Friday, July 5, the toll could have been far worse.
Hailing from New Jersey, Scott shared his experience and the rescue operation in an emotional interview with Good Morning America.
He explained, “I happened to be on duty and we decided to keep me on site at Camp Mystic. That became our main triage point where we focused our efforts.”
“I found myself as the sole first responder there, responsible for about 200 mostly scared, frightened, and cold children — probably facing the worst day of their lives. I needed to triage them, get them higher medical care, and get them out of the flood zone.”
“We established two landing zones: one near an archery field and another in a soccer field. We were able to land rescue helicopters there. I was the lead in helping people onto those flights.”
Scott’s success in protecting the children was a direct result of the rigorous training Coast Guard rescue swimmers undergo.
“Coast Guard rescue swimmers receive some of the highest-level training worldwide. I relied on that, and I’m sure any rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard would have done the same or even better,” he said.
He also praised the children for recognizing he was there to help, calling them the “real heroes.”
Scott added, “They don’t care about my rank, experience, or age. They just see a professional here to help, and I had to live up to that expectation.”
“The true heroes, in my opinion, were the kids on the ground. They were incredibly brave, facing some of the darkest moments of their lives.”
