Kazakhstan mourns 12 servicemen killed in Caspian Sea drills

September 25, 2026 at 12:02 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan declared September 25 a day of mourning after 12 servicemen died during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. Relatives said the soldiers were due to return home within a week, and accused organizers of ignoring a storm warning from the 112 rescue service.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan declared September 25 a day of mourning for the servicemen killed during the Caspian Sea drills.
The Ministry of Defense identified 11 conscript sailors and one officer among the dead, with two servicemen still missing.
Only three servicemen were rescued, and one remains in hospital in serious condition.
Relatives said the soldiers were due to return home within a week after completing their service.
Parents accused exercise organizers of ignoring a storm warning issued by the 112 rescue service.

Casualties and Rescue

The Ministry of Defense released the list of servicemen killed during the exercises. The bodies of 11 conscript sailors and one officer were found and identified. Search operations continue for two more servicemen. Only three servicemen were rescued, and one of them is in hospital in serious condition.

Families' Reaction

Relatives gathered at the morgue in Aktau after receiving the news. Zhusip Orazaliyev said representatives of the akimat, police, and military enlistment office came to his home to apologize and inform him that his son was in the morgue. The family was told that the servicemen died because of strong waves during the exercises. Orazaliyev said the soldiers were due to return home within a week, having completed their service. Parents accused the organizers of ignoring a storm warning from the 112 rescue service.