Kazakh martial artist among 14 killed in deadly Caspian Sea exercise PHOTO

A well-known Kazakh athlete was among 14 servicemen who died after being swept into the Caspian Sea during military exercises in Mangystau Region, Kazakhstan.

According to Zakon.kz, Serzhan Ayapbergen, a prominent sambo and judo competitor from Mangystau, had achieved sporting success from an early age, according to his sports school.

Ayapbergen was a silver medallist in student sambo at the CIS Games and won international and national judo competitions. He also held the title of Candidate for Master of Sport.

Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry said on September 24 that servicemen had been swept out to sea during exercises in Mangystau Region.

Updated information showed that 17 servicemen ended up in the water. Fourteen died, while three were rescued.

The search and rescue operation has now been completed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev