Ukrainian Pilot’s Daring Rescue Mission in South Sudan Under Gunfire
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot, recounted a perilous rescue mission in South Sudan, where his team was attacked while evacuating wounded soldiers. Despite sustaining an injury, he successfully navigated the damaged helicopter to safety, though they lost a crew member. This incident reflects the ongoing instability in South Sudan and the bravery of missions conducted by UN contractors.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot from Ukraine, recently experienced an extraordinary and perilous rescue mission in South Sudan. Approaching his retirement after 43 years of service, including notable deployments in Afghanistan, this mission would prove to be the most dramatic of his career. The UN contracted his firm, Ukrainian Helicopters, to evacuate six injured soldiers from a military base in Nasir, South Sudan, amidst deepening political turmoil in the region.
On the day of the operation, tensions escalated rapidly. Following their arrival, Muzyka and his team encountered sudden gunfire, resulting in the tragic loss of a crew member, Sergeant Sergii Prykhodko, and numerous South Sudanese soldiers. During the chaos, Muzyka sustained an arm injury, yet he meticulously managed to pilot the damaged helicopter to safety while filming the ordeal on his phone. He described the experience as “like a movie,” revealing his disbelief regarding the surreal situation.
The ongoing civil unrest in South Sudan, stemming from power struggles between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, continues to threaten stability. The initial civil war led to substantial loss of life, and efforts to create a unified military have stalled. Recent incidents in Nasir county heightened distrust between militias and the regular army, culminating in fatal clashes that prompted the UN to mobilize emergency rescue operations.
After successfully extracting ten personnel just days prior, Muzyka’s team faced dire circumstances as they prepared for a second evacuation. When the shooting commenced, chaos reigned, and realizing they were under attack, Muzyka executed an emergency take-off. Despite the helicopter sustaining multiple hits, he flew at low altitude to reach the regional capital of Malakal.
Throughout this harrowing experience, Muzyka’s team managed to stabilize his injury and navigate the helicopter amidst deteriorating conditions. Upon their arrival at Malakal airport, they were met with immediate medical attention, although unfortunately, they could not save Prykhodko. In recognition of their bravery, the crew was awarded the UN medal of honour, highlighting the severity of the incident, which a UN spokesperson suggested may constitute a war crime under international law.
Captain Muzyka has since returned to Ukraine for recovery. Despite contemplating retirement, he expressed a desire for peace to prevail globally and affirmed that he still feels capable of flying.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s recent rescue mission in South Sudan showcased remarkable bravery amid perilous conditions. Despite sustaining injuries during a violent shoot-out, he adeptly navigated a damaged helicopter to safety, underscoring both the gravity of the political instability in the region and the courage of humanitarian efforts. The tragic loss of a crew member highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those aiding vulnerable populations in conflict zones, while Muzyka’s reflections on his experiences illustrate the profound impacts of such operations on personal and professional levels.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
