Negligence and Navigation Violations: Criminal Probe Launched Over Soldier Deaths in the Caspian Sea

Aktau — A government commission meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev was held in the Mangistau region following a tragic incident involving military personnel. Following the meeting, authorities announced the initiation of criminal proceedings, while hundreds of rescuers, naval forces, and aviation units have been deployed in a round-the-clock search for the missing soldiers, Tiek.kz reports.

Criminal Investigation Underway

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov reported that a criminal case has been formally launched concerning the deaths of the servicemen. The investigation falls under two specific articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

• Article 453, Part 2: “Negligence of military duty resulting in grave consequences.”

• Article 465: “Violation of ship navigation rules.”

An interagency investigative group has been established to handle the case, and all necessary forensic examinations have been ordered. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has mandated a swift and thorough investigation to establish the exact sequence of events and ensure that those responsible are held strictly accountable.

Massive Search and Rescue Operation

A continuous, 24/7 search operation is currently underway for two soldiers who remain missing. The operational headquarters on site is being personally overseen by the Minister of Defense, Dauren Kosanov.

Unprecedented resources have been mobilized to patrol and inspect the Caspian Sea waters, the coastal zone, and adjacent territories. The search force includes:

• 252 personnel

• 37 military divers

• 34 specialized ground vehicles

• 14 naval ships and patrol boats

• Over 20 aircraft (including 4 helicopters)

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Health Manas Ramazanov provided an update on the survivors. He confirmed that one of the three rescued servicemen currently hospitalized is in stable condition. His life is not in danger, and medical staff are providing all necessary care.

Transparent Distribution of Financial Aid

The government commission placed special emphasis on supporting the grieving families. In addition to guaranteed state compensation, large-scale financial assistance is pouring in from private philanthropists.

Members of the newly established Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan) have already allocated 25 million tenge to each affected family. Representatives of major national businesses have also pledged their financial support.

To prevent any mismanagement, Kanat Bozumbayev instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, working alongside the Mangistau regional administration (akimat), to establish strict oversight over the distribution of all incoming funds. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the financial aid must be strictly targeted, absolutely transparent, and delivered to each family in full.