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Lone Swimmer, Lifesaver: Coast Guard Rookie Scott Ruskan Rescues 165 in Texas Flood Horror

Updated: July 07, 2025 18:50

Image Source: New York Post
In a story that has gripped the nation, 26yearold Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan has been hailed as an American hero after saving 165 lives during his very first mission amid catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. The unprecedented rescue unfolded at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River, which was among the hardesthit areas during the July 4 weekend deluge.
 
The Mission That Made a Hero
  • Ruskan was deployed as the only triage coordinator on the ground while 12 helicopters from the Coast Guard, National Guard, and US Army conducted aerial rescues
  • He directed emergency care, guided helicopters to stranded groups, and comforted terrified children and adults—many still in pajamas after fleeing their bunks
  • His leadership helped evacuate 165 people from the flood zone, including nearly 200 campers spotted from the air
  • Despite the chaos, Ruskan remained calm, saying, “We just saw a huge crowd and said, that’s where we’re going to go and get as many people out as we can”
From Accountant to Aviation Hero
  • Originally from Oxford, New Jersey, Ruskan was a former KPMG accountant before enlisting in the Coast Guard in 2021
  • He completed the grueling Aviation Survival Technician training in Petaluma, California, and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas
  • The Texas floods marked his firstever deployment, and he had been on standby since November 2024
A Tragedy Amid Triumph
  • The floods, triggered by over 13 inches of rain in hours, have claimed at least 82 lives, with several still missing
  • At Camp Mystic, five campers aged 8 and 9 were confirmed dead, and a counselor along with 11 more girls remain unaccounted for
  • Ruskan acknowledged the heartbreak, saying, “We did a lot of good that day, but it’s still super sad… the mission’s not over yet”
National Recognition and Public Praise
  • US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Ruskan an “American hero” and praised his “selfless courage”
  • Social media erupted with admiration, with calls for Ruskan to receive the Medal of Freedom and the Gold Lifesaving Medal
  • Ruskan, however, remained humble: “I’m just a guy doing my job. Any of my teammates would have done the same”
Outlook
As search and rescue operations continue across the Guadalupe River Valley, Ruskan’s story stands as a powerful reminder of courage, humility, and the human spirit in the face of disaster. His actions have not only saved lives but also inspired a nation still reeling from the tragedy.
 
Sources: Hindustan Times, MSN News, Times Now, IBTimes Singapore, Newsweek, MEAWW, Fox & Friends, Associated Press

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