Kazakhstan's death toll from Caspian Sea training incident rises to 14

The death toll from Thursday's incident in the Caspian Sea, where 17 Kazakh servicemen were swept out to sea during a military exercise, rose to 14, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said on Telegram that it had concluded search and rescue efforts following the incident and recovered the bodies of two more servicemen Friday morning.

"The leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan extend their deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased servicemen.

"The families of the fallen will receive all necessary comprehensive, financial, and psychological support," it added.

The ministry said on Thursday that 17 servicemen were swept out to sea in the country's southwestern Mangystau region while carrying out a combat training mission, initially confirming the deaths of nine servicemen.

It noted the incident occurred "due to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and intensifying winds," and that a commission led by Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov was urgently deployed to the site to establish the circumstances behind the incident.

Later that day, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed an order declaring Friday a national day of mourning.