Argentinian submarine rescue mission infographic
Graphic focus on the rescue operation.
GN36006EN

MILITARY

Mission to rescue Argentine submarine

By Jordi Bou

November 21, 2017 - The U.S. Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command hopes to deploy a Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM) in an attempt to rescue 44 crew members from Argentine’s ARA San Juan submarine.

The boat, with 44 crew on board, disappeared 430km (270 miles) off the Argentine coast last Wednesday after reporting a mechanical breakdown.

The PRM is operated remotely by a crew on a ship. It can descend to 610 metres (2,000 feet) and can carry up to 18 people, including two attendants.

A vital feature of the PRM is its transfer skirt — used to connect the module to the submarine — which can rotate to a 45-degree angle. The PRM can remain upright even if the sub is resting at an angle which eases the rescue process.

The U.S. Navy has sent a ship with special tracking equipment and deep-sea rescue equipment to join the search. Chile and the UK have sent aircraft to search the area.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 21/11/2017; STORY: Graphic News
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