Kazakhstan has declared September 25, 2026, a national day of mourning following the deaths of servicemen who died while performing their duties in the Mangystau region, according to a presidential decree.

The incident occurred on September 24 during naval exercises along the Caspian Sea coast, The Caspian Post reports, citing Akorda.

Seventeen servicemen were swept into the sea after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and winds intensified, the regional administration reported.

Twelve servicemen died, while three were rescued. The search for two others is still underway.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the servicemen who lost their lives during the military exercises.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered the formation of a government commission to investigate the deaths.