Missing servicemen found dead after Caspian Sea exercise incident

The bodies of two missing servicemen who were swept out to sea during exercises in the Caspian Sea in the Mangystau region have been found, the Defense Ministry confirmed.

The search-and-rescue operation continued throughout the night. The death toll rose to 14.

The search operation has been completed.

«Today, Sept. 25, at around 9:15 a.m., during the continuous search-and-rescue operation, the bodies of two servicemen who had previously been reported missing, Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and Seaman Miras Turdybekuly, were found,» the ministry said in a statement.

The Mangystau region has designated a single operator to collect donations to assist the families of the deceased servicemen. The public association Ulttyk Rukh was designated for this purpose.

Residents were urged not to transfer funds to private bank cards or unknown accounts.

Details

The incident occurred on Sept. 24 during military exercises. Seventeen servicemen were swept out to sea amid a sudden storm and strong gusts of wind.

Earlier, 12 servicemen were reported dead, while three were rescued.

A government commission chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev was established to investigate the incident. Criminal proceedings were initiated under articles of the Criminal Code concerning negligence to service resulting in grave consequences and violation of ship navigation rules. The case is under the special control of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared Sept. 25 a national day of mourning.

The search-and-rescue operation involved hundreds of personnel and dozens of pieces of specialized equipment.