Search intensifies for missing submarine

BUENOS AIRES: An Argentine submarine with 44 crew on board went missing in the South Atlantic two days after its last communication, prompting the navy to step up its search efforts on Friday in difficult, stormy conditions.

The ARA San Juan was in the southern Argentine sea 432km from the Patagonian coast when it sent its last signal on Wednesday, naval spokesman Enrique Balbi said.

The emergency operation was formally upgraded to a search-andrescue procedure on Friday evening after no visual or radar contact was made with the submarine, Balbi said.

“Detection has been difficult despite the number of boats and aircraft involved in the search,” Balbi said, adding that heavy winds and high waves were complicating efforts.

“Obviously, the number of hours that have passed – two days in which there has been no communication – is of note.”

President Mauricio Macri said the government was in contact with the crew’s families.

“We share their concern and that of all Argentines,” he wrote on Twitter.

“We are using all national and international resources necessary.”

A Hercules C-130 plane from the Argentine Air Force was also flying over the operational area. Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Britain and South Africa had also formally offered assistance. – Reuters