Astana, Sept. 24 (SANA) Nine Kazakh servicemen were killed and seven remained missing Thursday after strong winds swept 19 military personnel into the Caspian Sea during a naval training exercise, Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry said.
The incident occurred in the western Mangystau region after weather conditions deteriorated sharply during a military training mission, the ministry said.
Three servicemen were rescued, including one who was taken to hospital, while search and rescue operations continued for the seven missing personnel.
A Defense Ministry commission headed by Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov was sent to the site to investigate the incident and oversee rescue efforts.
FJ/MF
