Survivor of Caspian Sea military exercise searched 30 minutes for drowned friend

September 25, 2026 at 10:39 AM2 min

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18-year-old soldier Akzhol Temiraliyev, the only hospitalized survivor of the September 24 Caspian Sea military exercise tragedy, is in stable condition. He managed to swim to safety on his own and then spent about 30 minutes searching the water for his drowned friend. The incident killed 12 servicemen during the 'Khazar Korgany-2026' drills.

Key Facts

Akzhol Temiraliyev, born in 2007, is the only survivor of the September 24 incident who required hospitalization.
The tragedy occurred during the 'Khazar Korgany-2026' military exercises on the Caspian Sea coast, when a wave swept 17 servicemen into the sea.
12 servicemen died, three were rescued, and two remain missing.
Among the dead was 20-year-old Serzhan Ayapbergen, a prize-winner of the Kazakhstan sambo championship.
A government commission headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has been established, and September 25 was declared a day of national mourning in Kazakhstan.

Survivor's Account

Blogger Azamat Sarsenbayev met Temiraliyev's parents at the entrance to the Mangystau regional hospital. According to the parents, the 18-year-old soldier managed to surface on his own and then spent about 30 minutes searching the water for his friend who drowned. Temiraliyev's father Timur said his son is in a ward, there is no threat to life, and the family is from Zhanaozen.

Medical Condition

Mangystau regional health department head Bekbolat Izbasarov told Ulysmedia.kz that the hospitalized serviceman's condition is stable. Temiraliyev was taken to the regional hospital immediately after the tragedy on September 24 and underwent all necessary examinations. He is currently in the therapeutic department under medical supervision, walking, eating, and talking independently.

Investigation and Response

The investigation has identified suspects among the commanders, who are accused of negligence for failing to account for weather conditions and poorly organizing rescue efforts. Criminal cases have been opened under two articles of the Criminal Code. A government commission headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev is working at the scene.