ALIVE AFTER 10 DAYS: 3 Girls Found Sleeping Inside Upside-Down Lifeguard Boat — Each Had a Bracelet Carved With The Same Word: “Wait”

In a breathtaking discovery amid the ongoing search for survivors of the Camp Mystic flooding disaster, three young girls were found alive on July 14, 2025, sleeping inside an upside-down lifeguard boat along the Guadalupe River, 10 days after the catastrophic flood that claimed at least 111 lives. The girls, aged 9 to 11, were discovered 2 miles from the camp in Hunt, Texas, each wearing a handmade bracelet carved with the same enigmatic word: “Wait.” This miraculous find has sparked hope and bewilderment, as the girls’ survival and the mysterious bracelets raise more questions than answers about their ordeal in the Texas Hill Country.

The Disaster at Camp Mystic

On July 4, 2025, Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls, was devastated when the Guadalupe River surged over 20 feet in under an hour, killing at least 111 people, including many young campers and counselors. Among the 750 girls at the camp, 27 were initially reported missing, prompting a massive search operation involving helicopters, drones, K-9 units, and hundreds of volunteers. The three girls—Isabelle Carter, Mila Rodriguez, and Harper Lee—were last seen near the camp’s waterfront area before the floodwaters struck, sweeping away cabins and scattering debris across the region.

The Discovery

The breakthrough came on the morning of July 14, when a search and rescue team, guided by a local volunteer’s tip, spotted an overturned lifeguard boat lodged against a cluster of cypress trees along the riverbank. “We almost passed it by,” said volunteer rescuer Emily Sanchez. “It looked like just another piece of debris until we heard faint breathing.” Peering inside the boat’s hull, rescuers found the three girls curled up together, asleep, their faces smudged with mud but otherwise unharmed. Each girl wore a crude bracelet made of twisted vine and wood, with the word “Wait” painstakingly carved into the material.

The girls were carefully extracted and airlifted to a hospital in Kerrville, where medical evaluations revealed they were dehydrated and malnourished but remarkably free of serious injuries. “It’s a miracle they survived 10 days in those conditions,” said Dr. Rachel Gomez, who treated the girls. “They were weak but stable, almost as if they’d been cared for.” The discovery of the bracelets, identical in their cryptic inscription, has become a focal point of the investigation, with authorities and families desperate to understand their significance.

Survival in the Wilderness

The girls’ survival for 240 hours in the rugged Hill Country, with minimal resources, is nothing short of extraordinary. The lifeguard boat, a small aluminum vessel typically used for camp activities, provided partial shelter from rain and wind. Investigators believe the girls may have crawled inside after the flood, using the boat’s upturned hull as a makeshift refuge. Scattered around the boat were remnants of edible plants and a small plastic jug containing rainwater, suggesting the girls had some knowledge of survival techniques, possibly taught during camp activities.

When questioned, the girls offered vague accounts of their ordeal. “We just stayed together and waited,” Isabelle Carter told rescuers, clutching her bracelet. They recalled fleeing the rising waters but could not explain how they reached the boat or who crafted the bracelets. The word “Wait” carved into each bracelet has puzzled investigators, who are analyzing the materials for clues. “The carvings are precise, almost deliberate,” said forensic analyst Dr. Mark Ellison. “It’s unlikely the girls had the tools or energy to do this themselves after 10 days.”

The Mystery of the Bracelets

The bracelets, made from local vines and pieces of driftwood, are a haunting detail. Each is identical, with “Wait” etched in capital letters, suggesting a coordinated effort. The girls’ inability to recall who made the bracelets or why has led to speculation about an external influence. “It’s possible someone helped them,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “But we have no evidence of another person at the scene.” Forensic teams are examining the bracelets for DNA and tool marks, hoping to determine whether they were crafted before or after the girls reached the boat.

The word “Wait” has sparked intense debate. Some investigators believe it could be a message from the girls, perhaps a reminder to stay put until rescued. Others wonder if it was a directive from an unknown individual, possibly someone who aided the girls before disappearing. On platforms like X, the hashtag #MysticBraceletMystery has trended, with users proposing theories ranging from spiritual symbolism—tied to the camp’s Christian values—to more far-fetched ideas involving a mysterious protector. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation, focusing instead on tangible evidence.

Theories and Investigation

Several theories have emerged to explain the girls’ survival and the bracelets. The most plausible suggests they fled the flood and found the boat by chance, using skills learned at camp to survive. The memory gap could be attributed to dissociative amnesia, a common response to trauma, though its uniformity across all three girls is unusual. The bracelets, however, complicate this narrative. Their craftsmanship suggests access to tools and time, which the girls, weakened by hunger and exposure, may not have had.

Another theory posits that an unknown individual assisted the girls, perhaps crafting the bracelets as a signal or marker. The absence of footprints or other signs of human activity near the boat challenges this idea, but investigators are exploring nearby caves and structures for evidence of a helper. The possibility of foul play has not been ruled out, though no signs of harm were found on the girls. Environmental factors, such as a gas leak affecting memory, were tested and dismissed after air samples from the site showed no contaminants.

The investigation is now focused on the boat’s origin and the bracelets’ creation. The vessel was identified as one of Camp Mystic’s lifeguard boats, likely swept away during the flood. Search teams are combing the surrounding area for additional clues, while drones map the riverbank for signs of the girls’ path. The girls’ clothing and personal items—a single camp lanyard and a waterlogged friendship bracelet—are also under analysis.

Community Response

The discovery has brought a wave of relief to the Camp Mystic community, still mourning the loss of campers and staff, including director Dick Eastland, who died trying to save girls. “Isabelle is alive, but I can’t stop thinking about the others,” said her mother, Sarah Carter. “What does ‘Wait’ mean? Who were they waiting for?” Community members have rallied with prayer vigils and fundraisers, channeling support through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

On X, #FindTheMysticGirls remains a trending topic, with users sharing messages of hope and theories about the bracelets. “Those girls were guided by something bigger,” one post read, reflecting the camp’s spiritual ethos. Authorities have warned against unverified claims, citing scams targeting victims’ families. “We’re grateful for the public’s support, but please stick to official updates,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice.

A Miracle with Unanswered Questions

The survival of Isabelle, Mila, and Harper is a testament to human resilience and the enduring hope of the Camp Mystic community. Their discovery inside the lifeguard boat, clutching bracelets inscribed with “Wait,” is a miracle tinged with mystery. Who carved the bracelets, and what were the girls waiting for? Was it a message of faith, a survival strategy, or something more enigmatic?

As the search for the remaining missing girls continues, the Guadalupe River holds its secrets. The three girls, now recovering with their families, offer a glimmer of light in a tragedy that has shattered countless lives. Their story, marked by survival and an unexplained symbol, will linger in the hearts of Texans and beyond, as investigators work to unravel the meaning behind “Wait.”