Argentine sub reported leak and ‘start of a fire’

The last communication from the missing Argentine submarine ARA San Juan revealed a leak of seawater had caused a short circuit and “the beginnings of a fire” in its batteries, according to a copy of the message published by television channel A24.

The message was purportedly sent by the vessel’s commander by radio and appears to contradict timings and information released by the navy.

After two weeks the only trace of the sub and its 44 crew has been the reports of an apparent explosion close to its last known location.