WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is wrapping up its search for a missing Argentine submarine that disappeared in November with 44 crew aboard, according to a release from U.S. Southern Command.
At the height of its efforts, the U.S. had more than 200 personnel assigned to the mission, including P-8 Poseidon aircraft, four submersibles, an underwater rescue unit and various equipment. The U.S. Navy dropped more than 400 sonobuoys during the effort to locate the submarine San Juan.
SOUTHCOM did a complete sweep of its assigned areas twice and were unable to locate the sub, the release said.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, we offer our respects to the families of the crew of ARA San Juan and the people of Argentina,” said Rear Adm. Daniel B. Abel, director of operations for SOUTHCOM.
The two assets, the Research Vessel Atlantis and a cable-controlled Undersea Recovery Vehicle are being recalled, said SOUTHCOM spokesman Cmdr. Erik Reynolds.
Argentina is continuing to search for the San Juan.
David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.
