Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot with 43 years of experience, faced a life-threatening situation during a UN rescue mission in South Sudan. While evacuating injured soldiers amidst a shoot-out, he was injured but managed to safely pilot his crew to Malakal airport. The incident, resulting in the death of a crew member, reflects ongoing tensions in South Sudan, as ethnic conflicts threaten peace in the region.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot from Ukraine, recently experienced a harrowing situation while on a UN mission in South Sudan. At 60 years of age and with an impressive 43-year career, Muzyka’s last deployment turned unexpectedly dangerous, as his team was tasked with the evacuation of injured soldiers from a military base in Nasir. The mission transformed into a life-threatening scenario when a shoot-out erupted at the base, resulting in fatalities among both soldiers and crew members.
Throughout his career, Captain Muzyka served in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Somalia, but this particular mission proved to be the most extraordinary. During the firefight, he suffered a gunshot wound to his arm but heroically managed to pilot the damaged helicopter out of the dire situation. Video footage taken during this incident depicted the chaos and his injury, showcasing bloodied controls and a shattered windscreen as he navigated to safety.
The UN operation was aimed at rescuing six critically injured soldiers, including a general, amidst a precarious peace situation in South Sudan. Potential civil unrest looms over the country as ethnic tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar threaten the fragile peace established in 2018. Recent troop movements have reignited distrust and violence in Nasir county, which have underscored existing issues within the peacekeeping framework.
The mission took a drastic turn when hostile engagements began during the evacuation, catching Muzyka and his crew by surprise. Amidst the chaos, he quickly assessed the situation, realizing they were under fire, prompting him to take swift action to lift off in spite of the continued barrage.
While navigating through hostile fire, Muzyka sustained his injuries, and his crew spring into action to manage the situation aboard the aircraft. With the helicopter facing technical failures as a result of the attack, he skillfully flew low and fast toward the nearest airport, calculating every move to enable a potential emergency landing if necessary.
After enduring a perilous flight to Malakal airport, the crew successfully landed the helicopter despite sustaining significant damage. However, the loss of their flight attendant, Mr. Sergii Prykhodko, who succumbed to his injuries, cast a shadow over the otherwise safe return. The crew received recognition for their bravery, highlighting the challenges they faced in a war-torn region.
Following the incident, Captain Muzyka returned to Ukraine to receive medical treatment and reunite with his family. As he contemplates retirement, he stressed the importance of hope for a more peaceful future, remarking that despite his age, he still feels invigorated by his passion for flying.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s recent experience in South Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeeping forces in volatile regions. His successful evacuation mission, marked by traumatic events and the loss of a colleague, highlights the ongoing struggles for stability in South Sudan. The respect and recognition received by Muzyka and his crew come amidst increasing tensions in the area, underscoring the need for renewed efforts toward peace in the world’s youngest nation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
