14 Kazakh Sailors Killed During Caspian Sea Exercise, Five Military Officials Detained

ASTANA (Terror Monitor) — Fourteen Kazakh naval personnel were killed after being swept into the Caspian Sea during a military training exercise, prompting authorities to detain five senior military officials over suspected negligence and violations of navigation rules.

The incident occurred on September 24 off Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, about 43 kilometers from the coastal city of Aktau, during the Khazar Qorgany-2026 naval exercises. According to Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry, 17 servicemen were swept into the sea while disembarking from the Qaisar patrol boat amid unfavorable weather and strong waves. Three were rescued, while 14 died. The bodies of the final two missing servicemen were recovered on Friday, completing the search operation.

The exercises involved more than 500 military personnel, naval vessels and boats, hydrographic vessels, Coast Guard units and Air Defense Forces aircraft. A large-scale search-and-rescue operation involved 252 personnel, 37 military divers, 14 vessels and more than 20 aircraft.

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry said five officials from the Defence Ministry system had been detained and designated as suspects. They include the Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, the commander of a marine infantry company and the commander of the boat from which the servicemen were disembarking. All five were placed in temporary detention in Aktau.

Investigators are examining whether the officers properly assessed the deteriorating weather conditions and complied with safety and navigation regulations before ordering the disembarkation. Authorities are also examining the technical condition of the vessel and decisions made during the organization and execution of the training mission.

A criminal investigation has been opened into suspected negligent performance of duty resulting in serious consequences and violations of navigation rules. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry and Prosecutor General’s Office.

National mourning declared

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the families of the servicemen and ordered authorities to establish the circumstances of the tragedy. September 25 was declared a nationwide day of mourning.

The government has also established a commission to investigate the incident and provide assistance to the families of those killed.

Kazakhstan’s small Caspian naval force

Kazakhstan maintains a relatively small naval force of around 3,000 personnel, according to Reuters reporting cited by regional media. Its naval forces operate primarily in the Caspian Sea, where they patrol Kazakhstan’s maritime borders and help protect offshore energy infrastructure. The fleet includes patrol and missile boats.

The accident is among the country’s most serious recent military incidents and has prompted scrutiny of safety procedures and command decisions during military exercises conducted in adverse weather conditions.