Kazakhstan has detained five senior military officials after 14 service members died during a military exercise on the Caspian Sea.
The victims were among 17 personnel swept into the water while leaving a boat on Thursday.
Officials said weather conditions suddenly worsened and winds intensified. Three people were rescued.
But how did a training exercise turn deadly so quickly?
Those detained include the chief of staff and first deputy commander of Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, two military unit commanders.
They also include commanders responsible for a marine company and the boat involved. They are suspected of criminal negligence.
Authorities have launched a pretrial investigation into how the exercise was organised and whether safety procedures were properly followed.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are also examining the weather, the decisions made by commanders and the boat’s technical condition.
The accident happened about 43km from Aktau in south-western Kazakhstan.
More than 500 personnel, warships and coastal units were taking part in the Caspian Defense 2026 exercise.
Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov said investigators would examine every stage of the operation.
With so many personnel involved in a major military drill, one question now looms over the investigation.
Were the risks recognised before the exercise, or only after tragedy struck?
