Missing sub will run out of air today
Argentine navy fear crew won’t survive unless they’re found
RESCUERS are running out of time to save the crew of a missing Argentine submarine – as their air supply will not last beyond today.
Strong winds and high seas have hampered the search for the ARA San Juan after it vanished last Wednesday in the Atlantic.
Ships and aircraft from seven countries – including the British polar exploration vessel HMS Protector – are involved in the hunt.
The sub’s commander had reported a problem and said it was going back to port.
There are growing concerns as to how long the 44 crew could survive if the sub sank 300 miles from the coast.
But Argentine naval commander Gabriel Galeazzi said: “A warship has a lot of backup systems to allow it to move from one to another when there is a breakdown.” The crew have enough food and fuel to survive 90 days on the surface – but only seven days’ oxygen if submerged.
On Monday, officials said noises picked up by search vessels did not come from the sub, dashing hopes of a rescue for anxious relatives at Mar del Plata naval base.
Yesterday, the Argentine navy were hoping improved weather conditions would help them in their search.
HMS Protector’s Captain Angus Essenhigh said: “Our thoughts are with the crew of the ARA San Juan and their families at this time.”