Condolences from the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan Following the Death of Servicemen in the Mangystau Region

On September 24, 2026, servicemen were swept out to sea during a Naval Forces exercise in the Mangystau Region. The emergency occurred while a combat training task was being carried out on the coast of the Caspian Sea amid a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strengthening winds.

Twelve servicemen lost their lives. Three people were rescued, one of whom remains hospitalized in a serious but stable condition. Two servicemen are missing. A continuous round-the-clock search for them is underway in the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, expresses his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and those affected by the tragedy:

Dear brothers and sisters!

It was with profound sorrow that I learned of the tragedy that occurred today, claiming the lives of young Kazakhstanis – defenders of our Fatherland – and leaving others missing.

Sharing the grief of this irreparable loss, I express my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and offer words of sympathy and support to those affected and to their families.

I offer my prayers that the Merciful Lord may strengthen in soul and body all those touched by this tragedy. May the Almighty Creator grant His consolation to all who mourn and bestow strength and courage upon the doctors and rescuers.