Responsive interactive graphic focuses on the rescue operation.
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MILITARY

Mission to rescue Argentine submarine interactive

By Ben Mullins

November 23, 2017 - The U.S. Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command plans to deploy a Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM) as part of the multinational attempt to rescue 44 crew members from Argentina’s missing ARA San Juan submarine.

The submarine disappeared 430km (270 miles) off the Argentine coast on Nov 15 after reporting a mechanical breakdown.

The PRM, operated remotely by a crew on a ship, 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.

The U.S. Navy has sent a ship with special tracking equipment and deep-sea rescue equipment to join the search. Chile, the UK and Russia are among other nations involved in the search.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 27/11/2017; STORY: Graphic News
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