Kazakhstan has declared September 25 a national day of mourning after 12 servicemen lost their lives during a naval training exercise in the Caspian Sea, authorities said.

The incident occurred during a combat training exercise about 43 kilometres off the coast of Aktau in the western Mangystau region.

According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defence, 17 servicemen were swept into the sea after weather conditions suddenly deteriorated and strong winds struck the exercise area.

The ministry said 12 servicemen had died, three were rescued and search-and-rescue operations were continuing to locate the remaining two missing personnel.

Tokayev declares national day of mourning

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree declaring September 25 a national day of mourning in honour of the servicemen who lost their lives.

Tokayev expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and instructed the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He also ordered authorities to provide all necessary assistance and support to the families of the deceased servicemen.

Investigation launched

Kazakhstan's Defence Ministry said the accident occurred after severe weather developed unexpectedly during the exercise, causing the servicemen to be swept into the Caspian Sea.

Military prosecutors and other competent authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy, including whether safety procedures were properly followed during the exercise.

The exercise was part of the Khazar Qorgany 2026 naval drills, which began earlier this week with the participation of more than 500 personnel, naval vessels, coast guard units and air assets.

The tragedy is one of Kazakhstan's deadliest military training accidents in recent years and has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety measures during military exercises conducted under adverse weather conditions. (ILKHA)