Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev has awarded three servicemen who survived an emergency in the Mangystau Region. The Akorda press service reported this, according to infohub.kz.
By presidential decree, for courage and selflessness shown in the performance of military duty, the medal "Eligi ushin" was awarded to Seaman (rifleman) of military unit 29011 Beket Baqtybekuly Quandyq, Seaman (rifleman) of military unit 29011 Aqzhol Timuruly Temerkhan, and Specialist (sanitary instructor) of military unit 29011 Nikita Alexandrovich Udalov.
The tragedy on the Caspian Sea occurred on September 24 during combat training exercises of the Naval Forces. Due to a storm and sharp gusts of wind, 17 servicemen were swept into the open sea: 14 died, three were rescued.
The causes and circumstances of the emergency are being investigated by a special government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Qanat Bozumbaev. A criminal case has been opened into negligence and violation of navigation rules regarding the deaths of the soldiers. The investigation is under the supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office.
In addition, the head of state has established a commission for a comprehensive review of the state of affairs at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It will examine the financial and logistical support of military units.
Earlier, "Kursiv" reported that Toqaev posthumously awarded servicemen who died during exercises in the Caspian Sea and dismissed Defense Minister Dauran Qosanov. Aidos Myrzakhmetov was appointed in his place.