ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s search-and-rescue operation in the Caspian Sea has officially ended after the bodies of two service officers who had been missing following a military exercise were found on Sept. 25, bringing the death toll from the incident to 14.
Photo credit: The Ministry of Defense
The bodies were found at around 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 25 during continuous search operations, according to the Defence Ministry. The incident occurred during a training and combat exercise when 17 servicemen were swept into the open sea amid a sudden and sharp deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds. Three service officers were rescued, while 14 died.
Sept. 25 was declared a national day of mourning in Kazakhstan by order of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following the deaths.
Search operation concludes
The search-and-rescue operation was conducted around the clock under the direction of Defence Minister Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov. An operational headquarters brought together representatives of the Defence Ministry, the Border Service of the National Security Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local executive authorities of the Mangystau Region.
At its peak, the operation involved 252 personnel, 34 units of specialized ground equipment, 37 military divers, 14 vessels and boats, and more than 20 aircraft, including four helicopters. Search teams surveyed the sea, coastal areas and adjacent territory from the air.
The Defence Ministry expressed condolences to the families and relatives of those killed, saying they would receive comprehensive material and psychological assistance.
Criminal investigation continues
The Sept. 24 meeting of the established commision coordinated state agencies and oversaw search-and-rescue operations. Photo credit: The Mangystau Region’s administration.
A government commission established on the instructions of President Tokayev and headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev continues to oversee the investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
At a government commission meeting on Sept. 24, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov reported that criminal proceedings had been launched over negligent attitude toward service resulting in grave consequences and violations of navigation rules.
Investigators are conducting investigative and operational-search measures, while specialists have been involved and the necessary forensic examinations ordered. Bozumbayev instructed authorities to establish the full circumstances of the incident and take measures against those responsible.
“A special commission has been established to establish all the circumstances of the tragedy. Criminal cases have been opened. The investigation must be thorough, objective and prompt. Those whose actions or inaction led to this tragedy will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Bozumbayev said.
Families to receive assistance
Bozumbayev said the families of the deceased would receive substantial financial assistance in addition to payments provided for by law. Members of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and representatives of major businesses have also expressed their intention to provide additional assistance to the families.
The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the Mangystau regional administration to ensure transparency and oversight in the distribution of funds allocated to the families, stressing that assistance should be provided directly and in full.
President Tokayev earlier expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the servicemen who died in the incident. The service officers rescued during the incident remain in stable condition and are receiving the necessary medical treatment, Deputy Health Minister Manas Ramazanov reported.
