Today President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is taking part in the Kazakhstan-China investment forum, which is being held in Almaty. Before the event began, participants observed a moment of silence in memory of the servicemen who tragically died in the Mangystau region. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
"Dear guests, in connection with yesterday's tragic event in Mangystau, I propose honoring the memory of the fallen servicemen with a moment of silence," the moderator suggested.
The tragedy occurred on September 24 in the Caspian Sea during combat training exercises of the Naval Forces. Due to a sudden storm and sharp gusts of wind, 17 servicemen were carried out into the open sea. According to the latest data, 14 people died, and three fighters were rescued.
A criminal case has been opened over the emergency under articles on negligence and violation of navigation rules, and the investigation has been taken under personal control by the Prosecutor General's Office. The agency has already questioned more than 30 military personnel and identified a circle of suspected officials.
The causes and circumstances of the soldiers' deaths are being investigated by a special government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. In connection with the tragedy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that the bodies of two more servicemen were found in the Caspian Sea.