Tragedy on the Caspian: even in critical condition, soldier wouldn't let go of his late friend's beret

Tengrinews.kz — A touching photograph of serviceman Akzhol Temiraliev, a survivor of the Caspian tragedy, is circulating on social media.
"Live for those who were lost"
In the image, he is seen holding the beret of his late friend and fellow soldier, Azamat Madikhan. According to the post, despite his serious condition following the incident, the serviceman refused to let go of the beret. It is also reported that Akzhol promised to personally deliver it to his friend's parents.
Screenshot: Threads
In the comments, Kazakhstanis expressed their gratitude and praised Akzhol’s actions, noting that despite his injuries, he continued to hold onto his fallen comrade's beret.

"It's terrifying to imagine what he went through," "Live for the boys who didn't make it," "So young, yet so much character," "He didn't know Azamat was gone. He wanted to return it to him personally," "The man has suffered a lifelong psychological trauma in peacetime, losing fellow soldiers and friends. The worst thing is living with the knowledge that you survived while being unable to help them—such a tragedy," "Strength to the parents and family," "Poor boys. They were just children," "So many young men who had dreams and plans for life," social media users wrote.

Condition of the survivors
Earlier, information emerged regarding the condition of 19-year-old Akzhol Temiraliev, who survived the emergency in Aktau.
We contacted Akzhol's father, Timur. He shared that his son will continue his treatment. Further details of the incident remain unknown.

"He's doing well, thank God, everything is fine. He is in the ward now, we spoke with him—there is no threat to his life. We are from Zhanaozen. We don't know yet when he will be discharged; he is staying here for now," he said.

Information also surfaced regarding the second survivor — 19-year-old Beket Myrzagaliev, a serviceman from the Atyrau region.
According to the soldier's mother, Karlygash Myrzagalieva, he was not hospitalized.

"Thank God, my son is alive. We arrived in Aktau this morning and saw him. He is safe and sound, and he is walking on his own. He managed to reach the shore through his own efforts. I believe further details will emerge once the investigation is complete," she said.

Beket's mother noted that he is currently feeling well and is able to move around independently.
Relatives of the deceased share memories
Meanwhile, on social media, relatives, friends, and loved ones of the fallen servicemen are posting photographs and videos from family archives.
20-year-old Azamat Madikhan was a close friend of Akzhol Temiraliev, one of the three servicemen who survived the tragedy. After the incident, Akzhol was seen holding the beret of the late Azamat and reportedly promised to hand it over to his parents personally.
For Azamat's family, the days leading up to the tragedy were meant to be spent awaiting his return home. He had only nine days left until the end of his service. His relatives were already preparing to welcome him back and had planned a large celebration with neighbors and extended family.
Screenshot: Threads
Family footage of other servicemen is also appearing on social media, showing walks, meetings, conversations, and moments from daily life.
Screenshot: Threads
Some relatives are publishing their final message exchanges with the soldiers. These contain ordinary conversations, plans, and talk of the future. Now, these messages have become part of the families' cherished memories of their loved ones.
Screenshot: Threads
Tragedy on the Caspian Sea
On September 24, during naval exercises in the Mangistau Region, several servicemen were swept out into the Caspian Sea. They were performing training and combat missions on the Caspian coast when weather conditions suddenly deteriorated and winds intensified.
Initial reports stated that 19 servicemen were swept out to sea. The Mangistau Region Akimat later clarified the figure to 17 people.
It was previously reported that 12 people have died three people were rescued. One of the survivors is currently hospitalized.
A government commission has been created to investigate the tragedy. It is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. The commission is to establish the causes of the tragedy and assist the families of the deceased.
A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the deaths of the servicemen, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported. Investigators are establishing all the circumstances of what happened.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the servicemen who died. On September 25, the Head of State declared a day of mourning.
The Ministry of Defense has announced the conclusion of the search operation in the Caspian Sea waters.