Death toll from Kazakh naval drill rises to 12 after sea accident

Nineteen Kazakh servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during naval exercises in the Mangystau Region on September 24, 2026, when weather conditions deteriorated sharply with intensifying winds and waves. According to initial reports from Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry, nine servicemen died in the incident. The death toll was later updated to 12 as additional bodies were recovered during ongoing rescue operations. Three servicemen were rescued, with one hospitalized. Search and rescue efforts for the remaining servicemen continue, involving personnel from the Ministry for Emergency Situations, aviation, naval forces, and other relevant services.

The incident occurred during the "Caspian Fortress-2026" naval exercises, which began on September 22 and involve more than 500 military personnel including naval crews, coastal units, border service personnel, coast guard, and air defense forces. Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov headed a ministry commission dispatched to coordinate search and rescue operations and investigate the accident.

Kazakhstan's General Prosecutor's Office has opened a criminal case into the deaths, and a government commission has been established. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. Adverse weather conditions with strong winds and powerful waves have continued to complicate rescue efforts in the area.