Bozumbayev vows to punish those responsible for servicemen's deaths in Caspian

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has stated that the investigation into the deaths of servicemen during exercises in the Mangystau region will be conducted as soon as possible. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Families of the 12 deceased servicemen are promised substantial financial assistance. The search for two missing individuals continues.

"The investigation will be conducted as thoroughly, objectively, and promptly as possible. All officials whose actions or inaction led to this tragedy will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," Bozumbayev said.

So far, the investigation has not established the causes of the incident or named the officials who may bear responsibility.

Bozumbayev conveyed the condolences of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the families of the deceased servicemen. He assured that each family would receive financial assistance and other necessary support.

"The state will not leave the families of the deceased alone with this grief. Each family of the deceased serviceman will receive substantial financial assistance, as well as all necessary support," the deputy prime minister said.

Bozumbayev added that he personally oversees the investigation and the provision of assistance to the families.

On September 24, servicemen of the Naval Forces were performing a combat training task on the coast of the Caspian Sea. According to the Ministry of Defense, the weather sharply deteriorated and the wind intensified. The servicemen were swept out to sea.

Later, the akimat of the Mangystau region clarified the data: 17 servicemen were in the sea, 12 of them died, and three were rescued. Bozumbayev confirmed that the whereabouts of two others have not yet been established. He ordered their search to be conducted around the clock with the involvement of all necessary forces.

One of the rescued was taken to the Mangystau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital. His condition was assessed as stably serious.

In connection with the deaths of the servicemen, Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning.

Bozumbayev heads the government commission that is working at the scene on the instructions of the president. According to him, authorized bodies have already opened criminal cases and are clarifying all circumstances of the tragedy.