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Death toll among Kazakh servicemen in Caspian Sea rises to 12-UPDATED

24 September 2026 20:57 (UTC +04:00)

The death toll among Kazakh servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea has risen to 12, the administration of Kazakhstan's Mangystau Region said, APA reports.

"According to updated information, 17 servicemen were swept out to sea while carrying out a combat training mission after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds picked up. Twelve of them died and three were rescued. The search for the remaining two servicemen is continuing," the statement said.

***13:14

Nine servicemen have died after strong waves swept 19 military personnel into the sea during a military exercise in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, APA reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.

The incident occurred on September 24 while the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan were carrying out a training and combat task during an exercise on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

According to the information, the incident occurred after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds intensified.

Preliminary information indicates that nine of the 19 servicemen died, while three others were rescued. A search for the remaining servicemen is ongoing.

Rescue teams and equipment were immediately deployed to the scene. Units of the Naval Forces, personnel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation, and other relevant services are involved in the search and rescue operation.

A commission from the Kazakh Ministry of Defense has been sent to the scene to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident and coordinate search and rescue efforts. The commission is led by Defense Minister Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov.