- President Tokayev declares September 25 a National Day of Mourning as investigation begins into fatal incident during Khazar Qorgany-2026 naval exercises
ASTANA, September 25, 2026: Kazakhstan is observing a National Day of Mourning on Friday following the deaths of servicemen who lost their lives while performing their military duties during naval exercises in the Mangystau Region.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning following the tragedy, expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the servicemen who died during the Khazar Qorgany-2026 exercises in the Caspian Sea. The decision was issued following the deaths of military personnel while carrying out their duties in the Mangystau Region, tragedy occurred on September 24 when military personnel carrying out a training and combat mission were swept into the Caspian Sea after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and strong winds intensified.
According to Kazakh authorities, 19 servicemen were initially swept into the sea. Three were rescued, including one who was subsequently hospitalized, while a major search-and-rescue operation was launched for those missing. Twelve servicemen were ultimately confirmed dead.
The search operation involved Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation assets and other relevant state services. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, who headed the Government Commission at the scene, ordered continuous search and rescue operations and instructed authorities to provide comprehensive assistance to the families of the deceased.
Government Orders Investigation Into Tragedy
Kazakh authorities have launched an official investigation to establish the circumstances and causes of the incident.
A Government Commission headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has been working at the scene. The authorities have also opened criminal proceedings in connection with the deaths, with investigators examining possible violations related to the performance of duty and navigation regulations.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has ordered the relevant authorities to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensure assistance to the families of those who lost their lives.
Khazar Qorgany-2026 Exercises
The Khazar Qorgany-2026 naval exercises began on September 22 in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. The drills brought together more than 500 military personnel and involved naval vessels and boats, hydrographic vessels, Border Service units of the National Security Committee and aircraft from the Air Defence Forces.
The exercises were designed to strengthen coordination and operational readiness through joint manoeuvres, search-and-rescue activities and training for responses to various maritime and security threats.
The fatal incident occurred during a training mission after weather conditions deteriorated unexpectedly.
Kazakhstan Observes National Mourning
The Kazakh authorities have expressed profound condolences to the families, relatives and colleagues of the servicemen who died in the line of duty.
President Tokayev’s decision to declare September 25 a National Day of Mourning reflects the gravity of the tragedy, as the country remembers the servicemen who lost their lives while carrying out their military responsibilities.
Kazakh authorities have pledged continued support to the bereaved families and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
BY: The Times Union
