12 Kazakhstan Servicemen Die During Caspian Sea Naval Exercises

At least 12 Kazakhstani servicemen died and two remain missing after being swept into the Caspian Sea during naval training exercises in the Mangystau region on September 24, 2026. The incident occurred during a combat training mission involving a landing from the Kaysar military vessel near the Omir Glamping recreation base, 43 kilometers from Aktau, when sudden weather deterioration and intensifying winds washed personnel into the water.

Casualty reports evolved as the situation developed. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan initially reported that 19 personnel were swept away with nine confirmed deaths. Later updates from the Mangystau regional administration and the Ministry of Defense revised these figures, stating 17 personnel were caught in the sea, resulting in 12 confirmed deaths and three rescues.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 as a national day of mourning. A large-scale, round-the-clock search and rescue operation is ongoing for the missing personnel, involving 252 personnel, 14 vessels, and over 20 aircraft. A criminal case has been opened, and a government commission led by Minister of Defense Dauren Kosanov is investigating the circumstances of the accident. The government has pledged financial and psychological assistance to the victims and their families.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan expressed condolences to the families of the fallen and the Government of Kazakhstan.