Daniyar Khairushev detained after the Caspian tragedy: what is known about him
Tengrinews.kz — Daniyar Khayrushev, the First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces, has been detained.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the detention of five Armed Forces officials in connection with the case involving the deaths of servicemen in the Caspian Sea. While the ministry did not release their names, it specified that the detainees include the Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, as well as marine company and boat commanders.
According to public data from the Ministry of Defense, the position of First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces is held by Daniyar Khayrushev. In May 2026, the ministry identified him by this specific title among servicemen receiving state awards.
Biography
Daniyar Zhumagalievich Khayrushev is a career officer in the Kazakhstan Naval Forces. In Ministry of Defense publications prior to his promotion, he held the rank of Captain 1st Rank.
From 2020 to 2022, Khayrushev commanded military unit 29011 and the Naval Base. In November 2020, his name appeared in state procurement portal documents as a representative of military unit 29011.
By late 2021, Khayrushev held the rank of Captain 1st Rank. In December of that year, he was identified as the commander of the Naval Base in Aktau.
The next stage of his career involved a move to the Naval Forces senior leadership.
In February 2023, the Ministry of Defense referred to Daniyar Khayrushev as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces with the rank of Captain 1st Rank. At that time, he led the Kazakh military delegation to Pakistan for the AMAN-2023 international naval exercises.
Responsibility for Combat Training
In the following years, combat training for the Naval Forces became one of Khayrushev's primary areas of responsibility.
In May 2024, on a state television broadcast, Khayrushev was introduced as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Head of the Combat Training Department of the Naval Forces Command.
That same year, he participated in the review of the "Birlestik-2024" international exercises. As reported by the Ministry of Defense, Khayrushev, in his capacity as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces for Combat Training, analyzed the tactical maneuvers of units and firing results during the exercises.
In early 2025, Khayrushev continued to serve as Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Under his leadership, a performance review of Naval Forces units for the previous year was held at military unit 29011 in Aktau. The Ministry of Defense noted that Khayrushev held the rank of Captain 1st Rank.
In another Ministry of Defense publication, Khayrushev was mentioned with a more detailed title: Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Head of the Combat Training Department of the Naval Forces Command. During operational-tactical exercises in Aktau, he commented on the preparation of the command and officers in unit management.
In October 2025, Khayrushev remained the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces for Combat Training. During a ten-day deployment of ships in the Caspian Sea, he assessed the readiness of crews as they practiced ship handling, navigation, and the use of communication systems and weaponry.
Promotion and State Award
By May 2026, Khayrushev had received a promotion.
The Ministry of Defense identified him as the First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces.
That same month, Daniyar Khayrushev was awarded the Order of "Aibyn" (Valor) II degree, named after Bauyrzhan Momyshuly. According to the Ministry of Defense, the award was presented for maintaining high combat readiness and for excellence in service.
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.
Caspian tragedy: bodies of two more servicemen found
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.