Search continues for two Kazakh servicemen missing in Caspian Sea

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