Šaranović: The knowledge, experience, discipline and professionalism of Bošković, Vukadinović and Milić prevented the tragedy

Knowledge, experience, discipline and professionalism are the values ​​of pilots Boris Bošković and Draško Vukadinović and mechanic and crew member Nikola Milić that prevented the tragedy and enabled seven people to return safely to their families, announced Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović.

"Today I spoke with the pilots of the Air-Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of the Interior, Boris Bošković and Draško Vukadinović, and the mechanic, crew member, Nikola Milić, people who have risked their own lives countless times during their professional careers to save the lives of others and protect the natural resources of Montenegro. A few days ago, in one of the most complex and demanding situations a pilot can face during their flying career, they showed exceptional courage, composure, extraordinary knowledge and experience, thanks to which seven human lives were saved," Šaranović emphasized in a statement.

He added that "such feats must not remain recorded as just one day's news."

"As a society, we must be aware that members of the Air Helicopter Unit, together with their families, live with the risks that their profession entails every day, so that others are safe. That is why I want to say it clearly - what happened above Prokletije must not be reduced to luck. Luck can be an ally, but it can never replace knowledge, experience, discipline and professionalism. It was precisely these values ​​of Boris Bošković, Draško Vukadinović and Nikola Milić that prevented the tragedy and enabled seven people to return safely to their families," said Šaranović.

The Minister said that their feat also obliges us to address the issue of the country's aviation capacities with even greater determination.

"Our people deserve to put their exceptional abilities to the function of saving lives, and not to struggle every day with the limitations of decades-old technology. That is why I am particularly encouraged by the fact that the Government of Montenegro yesterday adopted the information proposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which creates the prerequisites for initiating the procurement of two modern multi-purpose aircraft and two multi-purpose helicopters. These are aircraft that will have multiple purposes - from aerial firefighting, search and rescue and medical evacuation, to transporting people and cargo, supporting police and other state services, as well as operating in all types of emergency situations. This represents the greatest step forward in strengthening the aviation capacities of the protection and rescue system in the recent history of Montenegro and an investment that will increase the safety of citizens and the resilience of the state to the challenges ahead in the long term," said Šaranović.

Šaranović also said that "at the same time, after the Government of Montenegro provided funds for the deployment of an 8-ton aircraft, which has been in Montenegro since June 1, we expect that two Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft will be in full operational function by the end of the month."

"This means that, after a long period of time, we will have 3 AT-802 firefighting aircraft at our disposal before the upcoming fire season, which will significantly improve the state's capacities for timely and efficient response to open-air fires. It is our duty to provide people like Boris Bošković, Draško Vukadinović and Nikola Milić with conditions worthy of their expertise, dedication and responsibility. Because a state that values ​​its heroes does not show respect only with words, but with concrete actions," said Šaranović.

He said that Montenegro is proud of its pilots.

"As Minister of Internal Affairs, I am proud that we have people in our system whose knowledge, courage and dedication represent the best example of serving citizens and the state," said Šaranović.