The bodies of two servicemen who went missing after an incident during exercises in the Mangystau Region were found in the morning of 25 September. After that, the search and rescue operation in the waters of the Caspian Sea was completed.
WHO WAS FOUND
As reported by the Ministry of Defence, at around 09:15, during continuous search and rescue efforts, the bodies of the previously missing servicemen were found — Sergeant Mansur Gumarov and Seaman Miras Turdybekuly.
The leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased servicemen.
The families of the deceased have been promised all necessary comprehensive assistance, including material and psychological support.
HOW MANY SERVICEMEN ENDED UP IN THE SEA
During the performance of a training and combat task, due to a sudden and sharp deterioration in weather conditions, 17 servicemen were swept out into the open sea.
Three servicemen were rescued. In total, 14 servicemen died:
- Senior Lieutenant Olzhas Mukhtaruly;
- Sergeant Mansur Gumarov;
- Conscript Seaman Serzhan Ayapbergen;
- Conscript Seaman Omirbek Omirzak;
- Conscript Seaman Almas Kobenov;
- Conscript Seaman Akylbek Tolegen;
- Conscript Seaman Zhenis Temirgaliyev;
- Conscript Seaman Meirambek Berdikhanov;
- Conscript Seaman Aset Zhanabai;
- Conscript Seaman Azamat Madikhan;
- Conscript Seaman Dastan Begei;
- Conscript Seaman Akzhaiyk Gilazh;
- Conscript Seaman Olzhas Dikhanbayev;
- Conscript Seaman Miras Turdybekuly.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE RESCUED SERVICEMAN
One of the servicemen, Akzhol Temiraliev, who was taken to hospital after the incident, has regained consciousness. According to the Mangystau Region Health Department, his condition is assessed as stable.
The soldier is in the therapeutic department of the regional hospital and is receiving the necessary treatment. Medical staff continue to monitor his condition.
According to the injured man's parents, he managed not only to save himself but also spent a full half-hour searching for his friend.
HOW TO HELP THE FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED
The akimat of the Mangystau Region reported that people wishing to help the families of the deceased servicemen have been contacting the department. Therefore, it was decided to collect donations through the official «Ұлттық рух» fund.
The authorities ask people not to transfer money to personal cards and unknown accounts. All collected funds will be directed to the families of the deceased. The official bank details can be found here.
Expenditure will be strictly for its intended purpose and on the principles of full transparency. The fund's activities and the movement of funds are under the supervision of state and law enforcement bodies.
CONTEXT
Recall that on 24 September, during exercises of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces on the coast of the Caspian Sea in the Mangystau Region, servicemen were swept out to sea after a sharp deterioration in weather conditions and strengthening of the wind.
By order of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, a commission was created to investigate the causes of the deaths.
Members of the Qazaqstan Halq Kenesi intend to allocate 815 million tenge to help the families of the servicemen who died on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
A criminal case has been opened into the incident involving the servicemen.
The investigation into the circumstances of what happened continues. The investigation has identified officials suspected of negligent attitude to service, improper control and failure to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of personnel, taking into account meteorological conditions.