Nine Kazakh servicemen have died after being swept into the Caspian Sea during a military exercise in Mangystau Region.

Axar.az reports, citing Kazakh media, the incident occurred on September 24 as the Naval Forces of Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces were conducting a training exercise along the Caspian coast. The servicemen were swept out to sea while carrying out training missions amid a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds.

According to preliminary information, 19 servicemen were swept into the sea. Nine have died, while three were rescued. One of those rescued was hospitalized. Search operations are underway for the remaining servicemen

According to the latest information, the number of confirmed fatalities is increasing.