Almaty — Twelve members of Kazakhstan’s military lost their lives when they were swept out to sea during a naval training exercise in the western Mangistau region, authorities said on Thursday.
The servicemen were participating in a combat drill when weather conditions rapidly deteriorated and winds intensified, according to the regional government’s Telegram channel. In total, 17 personnel were carried out to sea; twelve died and three were rescued. Search operations for the remaining two servicemen are ongoing.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared a nationwide day of mourning for Friday in the wake of the tragedy.