Argentine Submarine ARA San Juan Confirmed Lost

Very sad news to hear for anyone who has made a living plying "the old grey widowmaker".  ARA San Juan S-42 is now reported as being lost, with no sign of survivors from the crew of 40.  Initially, reports were that she was having communications issues, but would continue her mission.  She was not an antique boat by any means, being of the German-built TR-1700 design and having been commissioned in 1985.  She is a modern, capable diesel boat, with 30-days' endurance and a submerged speed greater than 25 knots.  San Juan underwent refit, and was modernized not long ago, being in the yard from 2008-2012.  

Now comes the search for survivors.  But those are some inhospitable waters off Patagonia.

A total of 13 ships and six aeroplanes are braving strong winds and high waves over an area of 66,000 sq km (25,500 sq miles) more than 400 km (250 miles) east of the bay of San Jorge off the coast of Patagonia in southern Argentina.

And the US Navy, as is virtually always the case, is lending a big hand in the form of MPRA, providing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, aircrew, and ground crew.

Prayers for those aboard, and for their families.  URR here.

What is a woman that you forsake her, 

And the hearth-fire and the home-acre, 

To go with the old grey Widow-maker? 

-RK

 

 

Comments

[SFC Dunlap 173d RVN]

Sad indeed.

[Sean]

For those in peril on the sea....

Sean

[LT Rusty]

I still remember the first news reports when KURSK was lost. Didn't have my SWO pin yet, but the dolphins and pocket rocket were cold and damned heavy on my khakis that day.

[LT Rusty]

Also, given the Kipling excerpt used above, might I recommend WB Yeats' "The Rose of Battle" as well?

[Quartermaster]

Serving the Argentine military is not a good idea if you value your life.

[Captain Ned]

On Eternal Patrol.