Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned Ukrainian helicopter pilot, encountered extreme danger during a UN evacuation mission in South Sudan. The operation turned deadly when gunfire erupted, resulting in casualties and injuries, including Muzyka himself. Despite the harrowing experience, he successfully navigated the damaged helicopter to safety. The incident reflects the ongoing instability in South Sudan and the sacrifices made by humanitarian workers.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot, faced a harrowing situation during a United Nations operation in South Sudan. At 60 years old and with 43 years of experience, this mission, intended to evacuate wounded soldiers from a military base, became the most dramatic of his career. Despite his extensive history in combat zones like Afghanistan, nothing compared to the peril he encountered on this mission.
On arrival at the military base in Nasir, Muzyka and his crew were met with gunfire, leading to the tragic death of a crew member and numerous South Sudanese soldiers. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his arm, Captain Muzyka managed to pilot the damaged helicopter away from danger, capturing a harrowing video of the scene within the cockpit.
The UN had tasked Muzyka’s company with evacuating six injured soldiers, including a general and two UN negotiators. This operation occurred amid escalating tensions in South Sudan, where the fragile peace is threatened by mistrust between competing factions, particularly a militia known as the White Army and the regular army loyal to the president.
Tensions flared when the military base was seized by the White Army shortly before Muzyka’s team was called to evacuate the soldiers. Following a successful initial extraction, chaos erupted when gunfire rang out as passengers boarded the helicopter, leading Muzyka to instinctively take off.
As he ascended under fire, he witnessed soldiers falling outside the helicopter, and despite damage to the aircraft’s systems, he flew low and fast to reach safety. Throughout the harrowing flight, his crew managed first aid to his arm, which had begun to bleed profusely.
Upon reaching Malakal airport after a tense 49-minute flight, Captain Muzyka was relieved despite the surreal nature of the experience. Regrettably, his flight attendant, Sergii Prykhodko, succumbed to his injuries. The crew received medical attention, but the loss of their colleague weighed heavily on them.
The courageous actions of the Ukrainian Helicopters crew were later recognized during a ceremony where they received a UN medal of honour. Captain Muzyka, reflecting on the experience, expressed hope for a peaceful future and acknowledged the emotional toll that the incident and ongoing geopolitical crises have had on him and his crew.
The courageous mission led by Captain Serhiy Muzyka underscores the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones like South Sudan. The tragic loss of a crew member during a daring rescue operation highlights the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for stability. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the commitment of individuals like Captain Muzyka serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and safety for those in need.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
