Nine Kazakh servicemen killed in Caspian Sea during military exercise

Nine servicemen have been confirmed dead after 19 military personnel were swept into the Caspian Sea during an exercise by Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces in the Mangystau region.

According to preliminary information, three servicemen were rescued, one of whom was hospitalized. Search efforts for the remaining personnel are continuing, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Rescue teams and equipment have been deployed to the scene. Units of the Naval Forces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation and other services are participating in the search-and-rescue operation.

The incident occurred after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds intensified during the exercise.

A Ministry of Defence commission headed by Defence Minister Dauren Kossanov has been dispatched to the scene to determine the circumstances of the incident and coordinate the search operation.

The ministry said further information on the search effort and the condition of the servicemen would be released as details are confirmed.

A criminal case has been opened in connection with the incident.

By Vafa Guliyeva