Bodies of last two Kazakh servicemen recovered from Caspian Sea UPDATED

The bodies of the last two Kazakh servicemen killed during a military training mission in the Caspian Sea have been recovered, bringing the death toll from the incident to 14, Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry said.

The bodies of Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and sailor Miras Turdybekuly were found at around 9:15 a.m. on September 25, local media reported, citing the ministry, adding that the search-and-rescue operation had been completed.

The servicemen were among 17 military personnel who were swept into the open sea after weather conditions suddenly and sharply deteriorated during the training mission.

Three servicemen were rescued, while 14 died in the incident, according to the ministry.

The tragedy occurred during naval exercises in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region on September 24. The incident prompted a large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving military and emergency services.

Kazakh authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also declared September 25 a national day of mourning following the tragedy.

9:15

A search and rescue operation is continuing in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region for two servicemen who remain missing after a military exercise accident in the Caspian Sea.

The search is still underway along the Caspian coast. Most of the servicemen who died were from Mangystau Region, local media reports.

The circumstances of the tragedy are being investigated by a government commission. A criminal case has been opened over negligent performance of military duties resulting in grave consequences, as well as violations of navigation rules. An interagency operational and investigative group has been formed, and the necessary forensic examinations have been ordered.

According to the latest information from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, the condition of one of the rescued servicemen has stabilised, and he is no longer in life-threatening condition.

The tragedy occurred on September 24 during exercises by the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in Mangystau Region. While servicemen were carrying out a combat training mission on the Caspian coast, weather conditions deteriorated sharply, and winds intensified, sweeping personnel into the sea.

Regional authorities later clarified that 17 servicemen were swept into the water. Twelve died, three were rescued, and the search for two others is continuing.

By Tamilla Hasanova