“Those who perished in the Caspian were not provided with life jackets” — Tokayev

“Those who perished in the Caspian were not provided with life jackets” — Tokayev

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered a reform of the country’s Armed Forces following a tragedy in the Caspian Sea.
Tokayev stated that the military personnel who were swept into the sea on September 24 had not been provided with necessary equipment, including life jackets. Fourteen military personnel died in the tragedy, while three were rescued.
The President sharply criticized the loss of military lives during peacetime.

"Irresponsibility, negligence, and window-dressing have become the norm. No lessons have been learned from past tragedies," Tokayev said.

He ordered an investigation to determine who drafted the training plan, who approved it, and why safety measures were not followed. A comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Defense's activities has begun. A plan to reform the Armed Forces must be developed within 10 days.

"Military service should not inspire fear and dread," the President of Kazakhstan emphasized.