Kazakh president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, declared September 25 a national day of mourning following the deaths of servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.
Twelve Kazakh servicemen died after being swept into the Caspian Sea during the Khazar Qorgany–2026 naval exercises in the Mangystau region on Thursday (September 24). The incident occurred after weather conditions suddenly deteriorated and winds intensified during a combat training mission.
In a Telegram post, the Ministry of Defence reported that 19 servicemen had been swept into the sea. So far, three have been rescued, one of whom was hospitalized, while 12 bodies have been recovered.
Search operations were continuing for the remaining four servicemen. A large-scale rescue and recovery effort has been launched, involving Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation assets and other relevant services.
Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, who is leading a government commission at the scene, ordered a continuous, round-the-clock search for those still missing. Authorities were also instructed to provide financial and other assistance to the families of the deceased.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal case into the deaths. An investigative team involving officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Prosecutor’s Office has been formed, while forensic examinations have been ordered. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov separately ordered the establishment of a government commission to determine the circumstances of the incident.
The Khazar Qorgany–2026 exercises began on September 22 in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. More than 500 military personnel participated, alongside naval ships and boats, hydrographic vessels, Border Service units of the National Security Committee and Air Defence Forces aircraft. The drills included joint manoeuvres, search-and-rescue exercises and training for responses to different threats.
The Defence Ministry has released the names of the 12 servicemen whose bodies have been recovered and expressed condolences to their families.
source: commonspace.eu with Naval Tecnology (London) and Qazinform (Almanty) and agencies
