17 servicemen swept into Caspian Sea during military exercises in Kazakhstan. 14 died, most of them conscripts.
Seventeen servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during naval exercises in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region. Fourteen of them died, Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry said.
Seventeen servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during naval exercises in Kazakhstan's Mangystau region, with fourteen of them losing their lives, according to the country's Defense Ministry. The incident occurred on September 24 when a sudden weather change swept all 17 individuals out into the open sea during coastal training exercises.
The search for the missing servicemen concluded on September 25 morning, resulting in the rescue of three men and the hospitalization of an injured soldier. Among the deceased were a senior lieutenant, a sergeant, and twelve conscript sailors. In response to the tragedy, Kazakhstan established a government commission to investigate the incident and support the families of the deceased.
A criminal case has been initiated, accusing officials of negligence in their duties and violations of navigation rules. To honor the fallen, Kazakhstan declared September 25 as a day of mourning. On September 22, the Defense Ministry announced the commencement of military exercises called "Defense of the Caspian-2026" in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea.
Over 500 servicemen, warships, and coastal units of Kazakhstan's Armed Forces participated in the exercises.
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