Fourteen Kazakh military personnel died after being swept out to sea during a naval training exercise in the western Mangistau region, authorities said on Thursday.
In all, 17 people were swept away, it said. “Twelve of them died, and three were rescued. The search for the remaining two servicemen is continuing,” it added.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a nationwide day of mourning for Friday following the incident.
The incident occurred on 24 September during the “Khazar Qorgany-2026” naval exercise in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. The exercise began on 22 September and involved more than 500 servicemen.
The drills involved naval and hydrographic vessels, Border Guard Service units from the Mangystau region and Air Defence Forces aircraft. They focused on joint manoeuvring, search and rescue operations and responses to asymmetric threats, while also aiming to improve coordination between naval units and strengthen personnel’s practical skills and maritime readiness.
The ministry said the servicemen were taking part in a training exercise when weather conditions deteriorated sharply and strong winds swept them into the sea.
The alarm was raised at around 11:20 local time by the duty officer at a naval base. The incident took place near the Omir Glamping recreation area, about 43 kilometres from the city of Aktau.
The search and rescue operation involves naval units, Kazakhstan’s Ministry for Emergency Situations, aircraft and other emergency services.
A Defence Ministry commission headed by Defence Minister Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov has been sent to the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and coordinate the search operation.
Kazakhstan says it has opened a criminal investigation. The case concerns alleged negligence resulting in serious consequences and violations of navigation rules, according to Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry.
Authorities have not yet released further details on the condition of the missing servicemen.
The Defence Ministry expressed its condolences to the families and relatives of those killed, saying they would receive all necessary assistance and support.
It said further information about the search operation and the condition of the servicemen would be released as details are received and confirmed.
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