Seaman Vyacheslav Protsak, call sign Skipper, was killed on April 26, 2022, in Mariupol. He had taken up duty on the territory of the Azovstal steel plant when the occupiers launched an attack. The serviceman sustained fatal injuries from an enemy sniper’s bullet. He was 27 years old.
Vyacheslav was born and raised in the city of Mariupol. He grew up highly independent and always sought to achieve his goals on his own. While still in school, he started working part-time to save money for the moped he dreamed of owning. Later, he graduated from the Kherson Maritime College of the Fishing Industry and worked as a marine engineer on a fishing vessel. In 2017, he joined the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He later earned a higher education degree from the Donetsk Law Institute. He enjoyed an active lifestyle and loved spending time outdoors around a campfire.
After the start of the full-scale war, Vyacheslav took part in the defense of his hometown. He served as a radiometrist-gunner aboard the BG-25 small patrol boat in the 23rd Maritime Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service.
“He helped his comrades and civilians whenever he could. Once, a hospital had no electricity and there was not enough fuel for the generators. Vyacheslav was among the first to volunteer to find and deliver gasoline. He brought food and water to people sheltering in basements. For the children, he somehow managed to find coloring books and pencils,” representatives of the State Border Guard Service recalled.
Vyacheslav managed to contact his family after his unit had already been stationed at Azovstal. He spoke with his beloved wife for 20 minutes. Neither of them knew it would be their final conversation.
“It was the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. He was a kind, compassionate, and cheerful man who dreamed of living a full and happy life,” said his wife, Alla.
The fallen border guard sailor was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class, and promoted to the rank of Senior Seaman.
He was laid to rest in the settlement of Bilohorodka in Kyiv Region.
Vyacheslav is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
At 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial Platform honor the fallen defenders of Donetsk Region.