Daring Helicopter Rescue Amidst Gunfire: Captain Muzyka’s Mission in South Sudan
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a helicopter pilot with extensive military experience, faced a dramatic gunfight while conducting a UN evacuation mission in South Sudan. After sustaining injuries and navigating the damaged aircraft under duress, he successfully landed at Malakal airport. The incident highlighted the ongoing turmoil in South Sudan and the sacrifices made by military personnel in their efforts to maintain peace.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a 43-year career, undertook a perilous mission with the United Nations in South Sudan that has marked the climax of his professional journey. The 60-year-old, who previously served in the Soviet army and spent two decades in the Ukrainian army, narrated his harrowing experience during what was intended to be a standard operation for evacuating wounded soldiers in Nasir, South Sudan. This mission turned into a life-threatening ordeal when gunfire erupted upon their arrival at the military base.
During the firefight, Captain Muzyka sustained a gunshot wound to his arm while a member of his crew was tragically killed. Miraculously, he managed to maneuver the damaged helicopter to safety over treacherous terrain for nearly an hour, captured in a chilling video from inside the cockpit. The account of their escape, where they faced a barrage of gunfire, remains vivid in his memory. “I thought it happened in a dream,” he disclosed, reflecting on the traumatic events of that day.
The mission on 7 March was a response to an escalating situation in South Sudan, where tensions between rival military factions were threatening peace. The United Nations had enlisted Ukrainian Helicopters to evacuate injured soldiers amidst warnings of impending civil war, reminiscent of the previous conflict that claimed nearly 400,000 lives. Despite reaching an agreement to cease hostilities, distrust lingered, resulting in recent clashes that necessitated the daring rescue operation.
Having successfully completed a prior extraction of ten individuals from the same region, the crew was initially prepared for a smooth operation until chaos erupted as soldiers boarded the aircraft. Captain Muzyka recalled the moment gunfire erupted, leading him to take immediate action to ensure the helicopter’s liftoff to avoid further casualties.
The helicopter sustained significant damage during the escape, prompting Muzyka to fly as low and fast as possible to reduce the risk of crashing. He coordinated with his crew and relied on his extensive military training to navigate through the crisis, all while managing his injuries with the help of his flight engineer.
Upon landing at Malakal airport, Captain Muzyka reflected on the surreal nature of the experience, feeling a mix of relief and pain. Tragically, one of the crew members did not survive the attack, leading to feelings of disbelief and sorrow among the surviving team. The crew was eventually honored for their bravery at a ceremony, with investigations into the incident suggesting potential war crimes under international law.
In conclusion, Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s experience in South Sudan underscores the extreme dangers faced by military personnel and humanitarian workers in volatile regions. The incident not only highlights the risks associated with UN operations in conflict zones but also serves as a poignant reminder of the profound human cost of war as families continue to suffer from ongoing violence. Ultimately, Captain Muzyka’s hopes for a more peaceful future reflect a universal desire for stability and safety in the world.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
