Caspian tragedy: Fundraising for families of deceased soldiers completed

Tengrinews.kz — The necessary funds to assist the families of deceased and injured servicemen in the Mangistau region have been raised. The funds will be distributed on a targeted basis under the supervision of a special commission.
This was announced during a meeting of the government commission in Aktau, which is investigating the causes and managing the aftermath of the tragedy.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov reminded that a pre-trial investigation is currently underway regarding the deaths of the servicemen.

"As of today, within the framework of the criminal case, the status of suspects has been procedurally established, and five officials have been placed in an Aktau temporary detention center: the Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, a marine company commander, and a boat commander," Adilov reported.

According to him, investigative actions are ongoing, and the necessary forensic examinations have been ordered. The investigation will provide a legal assessment of the actions of all involved parties and identify the full circle of suspects.
Chairman of the government commission and Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev stated that the state will fulfill all obligations to support the families of the fallen servicemen. Payments mandated by law must be made without delay. Specialists will be assigned to each family to provide support and assist in resolving any emerging issues.
The meeting also noted the contributions of members of the Halyk Kenesi, Kurultai deputies, representatives of political parties, entrepreneurs, patrons, and citizens to the fundraising effort. Since the required amount has already been raised, the fundraiser has been declared closed.

A separate commission has been established to ensure the transparent and fair distribution of the money. It is headed by Bekmurat Zhusipov, a member of the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi and chairman of the Mangistau Regional Public Council.

Law enforcement and government agencies have been instructed to monitor the targeted use of the collected funds. The investigation into the tragedy and the provision of assistance to the families of the deceased and injured remain under the supervision of the government commission.
Tragedy on the Caspian Sea
On September 24, a tragedy occurred in the Mangistau region during exercises by the Kazakh Naval Forces. While performing a training and combat mission on the Caspian coast, weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds intensified. Servicemen were swept out to sea.
Initial reports stated that 19 servicemen ended up in the water. Later, the Mangistau regional administration clarified the data: 17 people were swept into the sea. Three were rescued, one of whom was hospitalized.
On the morning of September 25, the Ministry of Defense reported the discovery of the bodies of the last two missing servicemen — Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and Seaman Miras Turdybekuly. They were found around 09:15 during search and rescue operations.
The final death toll stands at 14. The search operation in the Caspian Sea has concluded.
Status of the rescued serviceman
One of the three rescued, 19-year-old Akzhol Temiraliyev, was taken to the Mangistau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital.
On September 25, the medical facility's deputy director, Umit Ilyasova, told Tengrinews.kz that the serviceman arrived in critical condition the previous day and was sent to the red zone. He was later transferred from intensive care to the general therapy department.
According to the doctor, the serviceman is also receiving psychological support.
High wind warnings issued in advance
As early as 20:00 on September 23, Kazhydromet issued a storm warning for the Mangistau region. It was in effect until 20:00 the following day, September 24, when the tragedy occurred.
Forecasters had predicted strengthening southeastern winds with gusts of up to 15–20 meters per second, as well as a dust storm in the north and center of the region.
Warnings were distributed not only through Kazhydromet's official reports. On September 24, residents of the Mangistau region also received SMS alerts regarding expected adverse weather conditions.
Furthermore, a similar storm warning had been in effect the previous day, September 23.
Investigation findings
Regarding the deaths of the servicemen, a criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 453, "Negligence in Service Resulting in Grave Consequences," and Article 465, "Violation of Navigation Rules," of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan.
On September 25, the Prosecutor General's Office announced the initial results of the investigation. Investigators inspected the scene, interrogated more than 30 servicemen, and seized documentation and video materials. Twelve forensic examinations have been ordered.
According to the oversight body, officials have been identified who are suspected of negligence of duty. Specifically, investigators are examining the circumstances regarding personnel safety measures in light of weather conditions, as well as the organization of rescue operations.
A final legal assessment of the officials' actions will be determined based on the results of the investigation.
Government Commission and Assistance to Families
A government commission, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, has been established to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy.
During a commission meeting on September 24, Bozumbayev ordered the causes of the incident to be identified and mandated that the families of the deceased servicemen receive all necessary financial and social support.
Commission investigates circumstances surrounding the death of 12 servicemen in the Caspian Sea
National Day of Mourning declared in Kazakhstan
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen servicemen. By decree of the Head of State, September 25, 2026, has been declared a national day of mourning.
Why were the servicemen in the water, could the exercises have been called off due to the weather, and why did the rescue operation fail to prevent the loss of life? In an interview with a Tengrinews.kz correspondent, Zhandarbek Zhanzakov, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Kazakhstan Naval Forces, analyzed the possible causes of the Caspian tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 servicemen. He emphasized, however, that the final answers must come from the official investigation.