Kazakhstan Defense Ministry finds bodies of two missing servicemen in Caspian Sea

September 25, 2026 at 10:58 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry recovered the bodies of Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and sailor Miras Turdybekuly from the Caspian Sea at about 09:15 on September 25. The discovery ends the search operation launched after 17 servicemen were swept into the open sea during a training exercise. Three were rescued and 14 died in the incident.

Key Facts

The bodies of Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and sailor Miras Turdybekuly were found at about 09:15 on September 25 in the Caspian Sea.
The search operation in the Caspian Sea has been completed, according to Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry.
The incident occurred during a training exercise when sudden worsening weather swept 17 servicemen into the open sea.
Three servicemen were rescued and 14 died in the incident.
The Defense Ministry leadership expressed condolences and promised comprehensive material and psychological support to the families of the deceased.

Recovery of Bodies

At about 09:15 on September 25, search and rescue teams found the bodies of Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and sailor Miras Turdybekuly in the Caspian Sea. The discovery was made during continuous search and rescue operations, according to Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry. The two servicemen had been missing since the incident on September 24, when 17 servicemen were swept into the open sea. The Defense Ministry announced the completion of the search operation in the Caspian Sea following the recovery.

Incident and Casualties

The tragedy occurred during a training exercise when sudden and sharp worsening of weather conditions swept 17 servicemen into the open sea. Three servicemen were rescued, while 14 died in the incident. September 25 was declared a national day of mourning in Kazakhstan. The leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased.

Support for Families

The families of the deceased servicemen will receive comprehensive material and psychological assistance, according to the Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that all necessary support will be provided to the relatives of the victims.