MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (Reuters) — Missing Argentine submarine ARA San Juan still has not sent any signals back and remains out of contact, according to Gabriel Galeazzi, spokesman for the Argentine Navy.
The search for the missing submarine has not gone well, said Galeazzi, as he confirmed that all seven formerly-received signals were not in fact from ASA San Juan.
“Communication satellite companies analyzed a spectrum of more than 400 satellite calls’ signals, and at last ascertained that (the seven call signals) were not from ASA San Juan. It’s really a wide spectrum, large-scale analysis, with more than one communication satellite companies involved, because only by checking all the signals from various kinds of boats, including fishing boats and other boats using communication satellite could the results be determined. So it will take more time,” said Galeazzi.
Galeazzi also noted that before the submarine lost contact, it had contact with an Argentine naval base — the crew decided to cancel all its tasks and return to Mar Del Plata due to a common problem, an electrical malfunction.
Although it was the right decision to come back under such circumstances, no distress signal was sent to the naval base, said Galeazzi.
On Monday afternoon, Argentine President Mauricio Macri visited the Mar Del Plata Naval Base and met with family members of some crew members aboard the missing submarine.
Galeazzi said he was informed of the latest situation of the search and rescue mission for the submarine.
“Then he met with some family members of missing crew members, expressed his understanding of their mood and provided encouragement,” said Galeazzi.
The Argentine navy published pictures and videos sent back from rescue teams which remain at sea.
Rough seas and strong winds have stalled rescue efforts, but weather condition are likely to improve over the coming days, allowing for search efforts to move forward.
Helicopters and ships from the U.S. and Brazil have joined the search and rescue mission, as the Argentine Navy also continues to increase search and rescue efforts.