A 26-year-old rescue swimmer from the United States Coast Guard has earned national praise after saving nearly 200 people during severe flash floods in Central Texas. Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, from New Jersey, was recognized for his heroic actions by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, who described him as an American hero.
Ruskan was part of the first response team airlifted to Camp Mystic, where around 200 children were trapped by rising waters. Speaking on Fox and Friends, he explained that the team spotted a large group of children while flying over the area. That moment helped them quickly decide to prioritize evacuating the camp.
He said they remained at the site for hours, managing to rescue close to 200 people, including 165 directly under his coordination. It was his first official rescue mission, and he served as the only triage coordinator during the entire operation.
The situation remains critical. According to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, 68 bodies have been recovered so far—40 adults and 28 children. Eighteen adults and 10 children have yet to be identified. Authorities say 10 campers from Camp Mystic and one counselor are still missing.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing with hundreds of officers, deputies, and volunteers from local, state, and federal agencies on the ground. Specialized units using helicopters, boats, dogs, and drones continue to comb the flooded areas for survivors.
