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Search for missing Argentinian submarine continues despite false alarms

By Sara Shayanian
The ARA San Juan submarine lost radio contact last week with 44 crew members on board. Photo courtesy of Argentina Navy/EPA
The ARA San Juan submarine lost radio contact last week with 44 crew members on board. Photo courtesy of Argentina Navy/EPA

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Despite foul weather and a number of dead-end leads, authorities are continuing their search for a missing Argentinian naval submarine.

Strong winds have complicated the search for the ARA San Juan, which holds a crew of 44 people and has been missing since it last made radio contact on Wednesday. A U.S. Navy aircraft joined the search Saturday.

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A series of false alarms -- including a lone raft and unknown noises later confirmed to be unrelated -- discouraged search teams. Search workers also detected white flares, but later ruled them out as evidence the missing sub was near.

However, Argentina's navy will take advantage of better weather conditions Tuesday and continue searching for the submarine.

"Bad weather was following, but luckily today will lower the intensity of the wind and the height of the sea," Enrique Balbi, navy spokesman, said.

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri spoke on Tuesday about the missing vessel, sending "a strong affection" to the relatives of those lost.

"In these difficult times, I would not like to start without sending all my affection and support to the crew's relatives," Macri said. "We continue to do everything, deploying all available national and international media, to find them as soon as possible."

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"To all the family members of the crew, and strength: these are very difficult moments for them and for all of us, who are following this issue closely," Macri said.

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