A well-known athlete from Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, Serzhan Ayapbergen, was among the servicemen killed during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.

Ayapbergen had achieved notable results in sambo and judo from an early age, his sports school said, according to zakon.kz.

He was a silver medalist at the CIS Games in student sambo and a winner of international and national judo competitions.

Ayapbergen also held the title of Candidate for Master of Sport.

The accident occurred on September 24 during military exercises in the Mangystau Region. According to updated information from Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry, 17 servicemen were swept into the sea. Fourteen died, while three were rescued.

The search-and-rescue operation has been completed.

The tragedy prompted Kazakhstan to declare September 25 a national day of mourning for the servicemen who lost their lives.