Eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, staffed by approximately 35 crewmembers, rescued more than 200 children and counselors from Camp Taum Sauk in Reynolds County, Missouri, on Friday. The swift operation came as torrential rain caused life-threatening flood conditions from the nearby Black River. The rescue effort aimed to prevent a repeat of last July's Camp Mystic disaster in Texas, where flash floods killed 25 campers and staff.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe stated that the campers were taken to Arcadia Valley Elementary School to reunite with their families. The dramatic rescues occurred after as much as 12 inches of rain fell within a matter of hours, described by authorities as a "once-in-a-thousand-years" downpour. The rising waters prompted rescues from various locations, including trees, rooftops, and vehicles.
"This effort reflects the very best of our state emergency response teams," Kehoe said. "Countless men and women, across multiple jurisdictions, have been working around the clock with one mission in mind: saving lives."
Campers began evacuation around 2 a.m. Friday. Some girls in low-lying cabins were awakened and moved to the camp cafeteria, but they were later relocated to higher ground as floodwaters continued to rise. Boys housed on higher ground remained in their cabins while staff monitored the situation. Parents exchanged information via group messages as roads became inaccessible.
Children described the rescue experience. Eleven-year-old Teddy said, "We got to go on a Black Hawk. It was very loud and very cool and fast." His older brother, Benjamin, 11, also recounted the experience, with their mother, Ann DeField, noting that her sons viewed it as an adventure. "When they got home ... I couldn't hug them long enough," she told NPR. "They were fine. They really just thought it was all a big adventure."
Another camper, 11-year-old Everett Box, initially felt scared about the helicopter rescue but became "super excited to go on it." Cate Hensley, also 11, noted that by Friday morning, the distinction between the Black River and the road had disappeared, and her cabin was damaged by broken glass. Her mother, Melissa Hensley, stated that the experience had not diminished their view of the camp, calling it "their happy place."
In addition to the Black Hawk helicopters, Missouri Task Force 1, an urban search-and-rescue team, deployed 50 members with specialized equipment and rescue boats. The Black River was forecast to crest at a record level near Annapolis.
Authorities reported one death attributed to the flooding. Faith Gregory, 23, was found deceased on Saturday, approximately 1.8 miles downstream from her home in Crawford County, which had been displaced by floodwaters. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office offered condolences to her family and friends, stating that no other individuals remained unaccounted for following the deluge.