Captain Muzyka’s Harrowing Helicopter Rescue in South Sudan Crisis

Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot, faced extreme danger during a UN rescue mission in South Sudan. His final deployment turned deadly when gunfire erupted during a soldier evacuation, resulting in his injury and the death of a crew member. Despite the peril, he executed a successful emergency landing, highlighting the ongoing tensions and risks in the region.

Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a 60-year-old Ukrainian helicopter pilot, encountered an unexpected crisis during his final deployment with the UN in South Sudan. What started as a routine operation to evacuate injured soldiers turned into a life-threatening situation, marked by a shoot-out where he was injured, and a crew member was killed. With 43 years of experience—including service in Afghanistan and as a contractor—this mission became the most harrowing of his career.

The mission aimed to extract six injured soldiers from a military base in Nasir. Tensions escalated due to a deteriorating peace deal, with the UN tasked to safeguard amidst conflicts between factions loyally supporting President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Clashes intensified when the White Army took over the base, leading to Captain Muzyka’s emergency extraction operation.

On the day of the mission, Captain Muzyka’s helicopter had successfully completed one trip extracting ten individuals before returning to secure the remaining soldiers. However, chaos erupted as gunfire started. The captain was shot in the arm, and while his team came under attack, his military training surfaced as he promptly decided to take off amidst the gunfire, witnessing soldiers fall outside.

Despite being wounded and the helicopter sustaining damage, including punctured fuel tanks, Captain Muzyka flew low and fast, heightening the chances of a successful emergency landing. His crew worked swiftly to manage his injuries while keeping an eye out for safe landing areas. As they approached Malakal airport, they faced additional challenges but he managed to land safely after 49 nerve-wracking minutes.

Upon landing, the team received medical attention, but tragically, Captain Muzyka’s flight attendant Sergii Prykhodko succumbed to his injuries. The tragedy deeply affected the crew, and they were later honored with UN medals for their bravery in the face of extreme danger. The pilot is now seeking treatment and family time in Ukraine, expressing hope for a more peaceful future.

Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s harrowing experience in South Sudan illustrates the dangers faced by UN personnel in conflict zones. The critical situation during the helicopter evacuation led to tragic outcomes, including the loss of a crew member. Muzyka’s story emphasizes the bravery and resilience of military service members, as well as the ongoing instability in South Sudan, which risks further civil unrest as promises of peace remain unfulfilled.

Original Source: www.bbc.com