US Coast Guard-Corpus Christi rescue swimmer saves 169 lives in Texas floods; called an 'American Hero'

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — US Coast Guard-Sector Corpus Christi Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan is being called “An American Hero” after helping save more than 169 lives during the devastating Fourth of July weekend flooding in Texas’ Hill Country. 

The Coast Guard said that once Texas A&M Task Force 1 realized the extent of the flooding, they requested two Coast Guard units to help. 

A plane and helicopter were sent from Sector Corpus Christi, and a helicopter was sent from Houston to help with rescue. 

In an interview with ABC News Good Morning America on Monday, Ruskan said Coast Guard-Sector Corpus Christi’s team consisted of himself, Lt. Blair Ogujiofor, AMT3 Seth Reeves, and Lt. Ian Hopper Friday on a flight that was supposed to be an hour.

It took them roughly 7 or 8 hours to get into the flying zone. 

Ruskan told GMA he was inspired to get in there and help the victims out after seeing them experience one of the worst days of their lives. 

The petty officer has been a rescue swimmer for a year but has been fully trained for 6 months. He adds the Coast Guard rescue swimmers receive some of the highest-level training. 

United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem praised Ruskin as an “American Hero” for his extraordinary bravery. 

Noemi wrote on 𝕏, “This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Ruskin said the true heroes are the kids on the ground. 

The Coast Guard said it has conducted 12 flights to the affected area and rescued 15 campers from Camp Mystic last Sunday. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer remained with victims of the flooding, providing medical assistance to and aiding with the evacuation efforts of 230 victims into assisting agencies air assets.