The Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense reported on Thursday (September 24) that during a naval exercise in the Caspian Sea waters near the Mangystau Region in western Kazakhstan, the weather suddenly deteriorated with strong winds, leading to 19 soldiers being swept into the sea.
As of now, rescue teams have saved 3 soldiers, with 1 of them being hospitalized, and at least 9 soldiers confirmed dead. According to on-site reporters from Ulysmedia, rescue teams have found 12 bodies, but this number has not been officially confirmed.
The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, with divers conducting underwater searches and two helicopters and aviation providing support from above.
Two days ago, the Ministry of Defense announced the launch of the “Khazar Korgany-2026” exercise in the Kazakhstan waters of the Caspian Sea. More than 500 personnel, naval ships, and coastal forces participated in the exercise. However, the initial explanation from the Ministry of Defense did not mention the name of the exercise in relation to the soldiers’ death incident.
In response to this significant casualty incident during peacetime, the Kazakhstan Prosecutor General’s Office has opened an investigation. A joint investigation team consisting of personnel from the Ministries of Interior, Emergency Situations, and others has been deployed to the scene. Authorities have also ordered forensic examinations and put the investigation under special monitoring.
Additionally, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has established a governmental investigative committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, while Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov, a Major General, personally led a Defense Ministry committee to the scene to determine the specific reasons for the soldiers falling into the water and coordinate rescue efforts and assistance for the families of the victims.
In recent years, the issue of non-combat casualties in the Kazakhstan military during peacetime, caused by bullying, accidents, and other factors, has continued to raise public concern and anxiety. Hundreds of non-combat death cases have put pressure on the authorities to undertake serious defense security reforms. The unexpected and tragic incident during the Caspian Sea exercise undoubtedly once again places military safety issues in the spotlight.