By Natalie Rowe | U.S. Emergency Newswire | July 16, 2025
In a stunning turn of events this afternoon, rescue workers in Texas fully drained the flooded basement beneath the main hall of Camp Mystic — and made a discovery that has turned the entire operation on its head.
Three missing girls, previously presumed drowned, were found alive, huddled together in the farthest corner of the concrete chamber — and clutched in their hands was a torn, water-damaged camp map, scrawled with red arrows and circled markings.
According to police on scene, the map shows a direct route leading away from the camp’s west fence line, pointing toward a heavily wooded area previously thought to be inaccessible due to flood erosion.
“This wasn’t just a survival moment — this was a message,” said Lt. Marcus Hale of Texas Search Command. “These girls knew where the others went. And they marked it.”
The most haunting part? Scribbled on the bottom corner of the map were the words, in shaky handwriting:
“Please follow this before he does.”
Rescue teams immediately triggered a full-scale lockdown of the basement zone, calling in both FBI and tactical units. All search teams have now been redirected to the precise coordinates drawn on the map, which fall outside the camp’s official property lines.
The three girls, aged 9 to 12, are said to be dehydrated but alert, and have so far only spoken a few words — mostly repeating, “We waited until the water stopped” and “The map was always the plan.”
Officials believe they may have taken shelter in the basement deliberately, using what they remembered from camp safety drills.
As of now, 9 girls remain unaccounted for, but with this new lead, investigators say they may be closer than ever to finding them.
“We’re calling this a warning — and a trail,” said FBI Agent Rina Yates. “And we’re not wasting a second.”
The map is currently undergoing forensic analysis. The area it points to will be reached before nightfall.
This is a developing story. All updates to follow.