# Kazakhstan military training accident in Caspian Sea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kazakhstan-military-training-accident-in-caspian-sea
> Updated: 2026-09-27T05:09:40.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

During the Khazar Qorgany 2026 military exercise on September 24, a naval training accident occurred in the Caspian Sea near Aktau. Sudden deterioration in weather conditions and high wind speeds caused 17 servicemen to be swept into the sea while disembarking from the vessel Qaisar. While three soldiers were rescued, 14 others died.

In the aftermath, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a day of national mourning and dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov. A government investigation committee was established to review the circumstances, and the General Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal case regarding negligence and navigation rule violations. 

As the investigation progressed, five high-ranking military officials, including the first deputy commander of the Navy, were detained. President Tokayev criticized the incident as a result of “professional negligence and lack of responsibility among the officer corps.”

To address these failures, Tokayev ordered radical military reforms aimed at modernizing the armed forces and improving command accountability. He appointed Aydos Mirzahmetov as the new Defense Minister, tasking him with developing a comprehensive military reform plan within 10 days. This mandate includes increasing combat readiness and ensuring the transparent use of the defense budget. A special commission continues to audit the Ministry of Defense, specifically focusing on financial management and material-technical supplies.

## Claims

- President Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov following the deaths of 14 soldiers. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The tragedy occurred on September 24 when 17 personnel were swept into the sea due to sudden worsening weather and high winds. (disputed by 4 sources)
- President Tokayev ordered radical military reforms and the appointment of Aydos Mirzahmetov as the new Defense Minister. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 14 soldiers died during the 'Hazar Korgani-2026' military exercise in the Mangystau region of the Caspian Sea. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A special commission was established to audit the Ministry of Defense's financial and material-technical status. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- September 25 was declared a national day of mourning in Kazakhstan. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Five military command officials have been detained in connection with the incident. (single source)
- The new Defense Minister has three priority tasks: transparent use of the defense budget, preparing a military reform plan within 10 days, and strengthening military discipline. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Kazakhstan President dismisses Defense Minister after 14 soldiers die in Caspian Sea exercise

Kazakhstan President Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov and ordered radical military reforms after 14 soldiers died during a Caspian Sea training exercise due to severe weather and negligence.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kazakhstan-president-dismisses-defense-minister-after-caspian-sea-tragedy

### 2026-09-24: Kazakhstan military exercise tragedy: 14 soldiers dead in Caspian Sea

Fourteen Kazakh soldiers died during a naval exercise in the Caspian Sea after sudden bad weather swept 17 servicemen into the water. Five military officials have been detained as investigations continue.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kazakhstan-military-exercise-accident-leaves-nine-dead-in-caspian-sea

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Cite as: Kazakhstan military training accident in Caspian Sea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kazakhstan-military-training-accident-in-caspian-sea