NINE SOLDIERS DROWN DURING NAVAL EXERCISE

ALMATY, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - At least nine members of the Kazakh armed forces drowned after being swept into the waters of the Caspian Sea from the shore during a naval exercise, the Kazakh Defense Ministry said.

"According to preliminary information, 19 members of the armed forces were swept into the sea. The deaths of nine soldiers have been confirmed so far," the statement said.

Three soldiers were rescued, one of whom was hospitalized. The search for the others is continuing.

Rescue personnel and equipment have been dispatched to the scene. Units of the Naval Forces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation and other relevant services are taking part in the search and rescue operation.

"A commission from the Defense Ministry, headed by Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov, has urgently travelled to the scene to establish all the circumstances of the accident and coordinate search and rescue efforts," the ministry added.