On submarine ARA San Juan, which has been missing for days before Argentine coast, re has apparently been an explosion. A noise recorded during search matches that of a non-atomic explosion, said a naval spokesman. The members of 44 crew members were informed. The search continues until finally clarity reigns. There is no evidence of an attack on submarine.

The ARA San Juan, built in Germany, disappeared on Wednesday last week on journey from Ushuaia to sourn tip of Argentina to Mar del Plata. The submarine had reported a battery damage and announced to return to base. Then contact broke off. On board are 43 men and first submarine officer in country.

The ships and planes involved in search have now returned to an older search area to investigate noise. The US authorities recorded a "hydroacoustic anomaly" a few hours after last contact with submarine. However, previously trapped noises or signals did not originate from Ara San Juan. The new reference to explosion had been discovered about 30 nautical miles north of last recorded position of submarine, said naval spokesman.

If submarine is intact and underwater, oxygen on board, according to Navy and experts, ranges from seven to ten days. However, one does not know wher it might have come to surface of water in meantime to charge oxygen tanks, said Marine commander Gabriel Galeazzi.

Criticism from relatives

Some of relatives who waited for news at naval base in Mar del Plata criticized Argentine authorities for being too slow in responding to emergency. "They took two days to accept help because y played down situation," said Federico Ibañez, whose bror is crew of submarine.

Planes from several states helped Argentine Navy in search. Britain provided anor aircraft to search service. So far, two British ships and a British aircraft have been involved in search.

US President Donald Trump spoke on Twitter his good wishes to teams and Argentina. He ordered to help South American country in search. "45 people on board and re's not much time left. God be with you and people of Argentina! "wrote Trump. In fact, however, 44 people are on boat.

Date Of Update: 24 November 2017, 12:03