Naval servicemen swept out to sea near Aktau, nine dead

Nine servicemen died during exercises conducted by Kazakhstan’s naval forces on the Caspian Sea coast in the Mangystau region. A total of 19 servicemen were swept out to sea after a sharp deterioration in weather conditions. Three were rescued, while a search for the others is underway.

The tragedy occurred on Sept. 24 during combat training exercises. According to the Ministry of Defense, weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds intensified, sweeping the servicemen out to sea.

«According to preliminary data, 19 servicemen were swept out to sea. As of now, nine of them, unfortunately, have died. Three servicemen have been rescued, one of whom has been hospitalized. The search for the others is underway,» the ministry said in a statement.

The search and rescue operation involves naval force units, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation and other services.

A Defense Ministry commission led by Defense Minister Dauren Kossanov also headed to the scene to determine the circumstances of the incident and coordinate search and rescue operations.

The ministry expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died and said the families would receive all necessary assistance. The ministry also said it would provide updates as they are confirmed.