The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ashgabat has opened a book of condolences and lowered the national flag to half-mast in mourning for the 14 naval personnel who died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. The diplomatic mission informed Turkmenportal of this.

"The book of condolences is open from 11:00 to 18:00," the embassy noted.

A national day of mourning has been declared in Kazakhstan for Friday following the deaths of military personnel.

As the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan reported yesterday, 17 naval personnel were swept out to sea during exercises in the Mangystau region on the Caspian coast due to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strengthening winds; 14 of them died, while three were rescued.

A criminal case has been opened regarding the fatality on charges of negligence in the performance of duty and violation of ship-handling rules, and a government commission has been established to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragedy.