The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan reported that 14 of the 17 soldiers who fell into the sea during a naval exercise in the Caspian Sea coastal area have died. The incident occurred on Thursday in the western Mangystau region during combat training when the weather suddenly deteriorated. Three soldiers were rescued. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered the formation of a government commission to investigate the accident and declared Friday a national day of mourning.
On September 25 in Almaty, Kazakhstan (RASS/AFP) — A tragic accident during a naval exercise off the Caspian Sea coast resulted in the death of 14 soldiers. The Defense Ministry confirmed the number after finding two more bodies on Friday. The incident occurred in the western Mangystau region on Thursday when adverse weather caused 17 soldiers to fall into the sea during combat training exercises. Three soldiers were rescued, according to the Defense Ministry.
The Ministry communicated via Telegram that the search and rescue operation was completed on Wednesday, confirming the deaths of 14 soldiers. Earlier, officials had reported 12 fatalities. President Tokayev has ordered the establishment of a government commission to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the accident. A criminal investigation related to the incident has also been initiated. President Tokayev declared Friday a national day of mourning in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
Following the accident, search and rescue teams prioritized locating soldiers who were missing at sea. Initial reports suggest that the soldiers fell into the sea due to adverse weather conditions during the exercise.
