Nine Kazakhstan naval personnel killed during Caspian Sea drills

ASTANA, Sept. 26 (YPA) – Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry declared on Saturday nine naval personnel were killed after being swept away by water during naval exercises in the southwestern Mangystau region.

In a statement, the ministry said 19 people were swept away by waves during the drills held along the Caspian Sea coast after weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, including strengthening winds.

The statement said rescue teams saved three people, one of whom was taken to hospital for treatment. Search operations for the remaining personnel continued with the participation of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation units and other relevant services.

Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov is heading a ministry committee dispatched to the site to coordinate search-and-rescue operations and investigate the circumstances of the incident.

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