Kazakhstan Mourns 12 Sailors Lost at Sea During Naval Exercises

Kazakhstan has declared September 25 a national day of mourning following the deaths of 12 servicemen during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. Two additional individuals remain missing. The incident occurred on September 24 in the Mangystau region when a sudden deterioration in weather conditions, including strong winds, swept 17 servicemen out to sea while they were performing a combat training task. Three individuals were rescued, and search efforts for the remaining two are ongoing.

The "Khazar Korgany - 2026" exercises, which began on September 22, involved over 500 military personnel, naval vessels, coast guard units, and aviation. In response to the tragedy, the Prosecutor General's Office has opened a criminal investigation, and the government has established a special commission to determine the circumstances of the event. The Ministry of Defense released the names of the deceased, comprising one senior lieutenant and 11 sailors.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev offered condolences to the families of the victims. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its "deepest condolences" and support for the families and the government of Kazakhstan. Similar messages of support were received from Azerbaijan and Russia.