By Michelle Davenport | The National Observer | July 16, 2025
What began as a tragic search for 27 missing girls at Camp Mystic has taken a devastating turn.
Authorities now confirm that the true number of children swept away by the floodwaters may be significantly higher, after the discovery of a large drainage tunnel just 900 meters from the summer camp — previously undocumented and nearly concealed beneath storm debris.
“We were not prepared for this,” said Sheriff Elias Carr, visibly shaken during a late-night press briefing. “This was not on any map. No rescue team knew it existed. And now we fear the worst.”
The discovery was made after sniffer dogs repeatedly returned to the same muddy area behind a thicket of trees. When workers began digging, they uncovered a metal drainage grate bent from the inside, leading into a massive, water-stained tunnel stretching deep underground.
What makes the finding even more harrowing is the close-up footage released by a helmet cam from the first responder who entered the drain:
In the flickering flashlight, the camera captures shredded pieces of children’s clothing, name-labeled socks, and what appears to be a muddy, child-sized handprint smeared along the tunnel wall.
The footage ends abruptly with the officer saying:
“There are more than 27. Oh my God… there are more.”
While the exact number of additional children is still being verified, local officials say they are now cross-referencing names of campers, staff, and volunteers — some of whom were presumed safe but have not checked in since the storm hit.
Rescue teams are currently pumping water out of the drain system while drones are being deployed into the tunnels to search further without endangering lives.
FBI agents on site have not ruled out foul play, especially given the sealed nature of the drain and evidence suggesting it may have been used recently as a passage or shelter.
Family members gathered at the scene broke down in tears when shown the images. One mother whispered through sobs:
“We thought we were looking for 27. Now… how many more?”
This heartbreaking development has reignited national calls for a full-scale federal investigation into Camp Mystic’s infrastructure, evacuation protocols, and staff records.
This story is still developing. Viewer discretion is advised for the upcoming release of partial tunnel footage.