justadogperson
196115
3917
72
So... we lost a submarine.
Last wednesday A.R.A. San Juan established contact for the last time, and hasn't been heard from since. Apparently, it was having some issue with batteries so it was supposed to go straight to its base in Mar del Plata. They didn't communicate again.
When the news broke on Thursday, the comment I read/heard the most was probably "WE HAVE SUBMARINES?!". But yeah, Argentina's Navy apparently has 3. And one of them is lost at sea right now with 44 people on board.
CNN just tweeted this is the largest Search and Rescue operation in 30 years. And because I haven't seen anything posted about this, and because so many people coming together to find ARA San Juan warms my heart in this cold late spring day, I thought I'd share a bit about the efforts being made to find the submarine.
Mostly in tweets.
The UK has sent the HMS Protector. I think it was one of the first we heard was coming to aid in the search (my source is twitter so take that as you will).
Argentina and the UK have a long standing dispute over the Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas, but the Falkland Islands (unofficial, run by kelpers) twitter account has shown incredible support, even more so than some Argentinian politicians who can't leave politics aside, even when lives are at risk.
I'm dumb so I thought this was Queen Elizabeth* and thought it was so cool, but no, it's HMS Queen Elizabeth. Still, SO many Navy related accounts around the world are showing support.
(my favorite queen even though I'm technically Spanish so probably should show allegiance to the other one or something)
The US has sent the most aid. And you say, well, of course. And some idiots here are saying sure, that's how they stablish their bases down here and then invade (my country is full of nitwits, sorry). I'm going to stay with how neat it is that so many nations are coming to help us. We'd be so lost otherwise, we have no resources. Following are a few more US tweets.
Spain, the motherland. Offers equipment to rescue the crew in case of the submarine being broken (in case you haven't realised yet, my technical vocabulary is zero. and English is not my first language, so I apologize)
Uruguay
Brazil, our historic soccer rivals (though pretty much anyone could beat our team right now)
Sumary published by Argentina's Ministry of Defense, with all the ships helping out or ready to join the efforts, plus the area where the submarine is being searched.
Climate conditions in the area have made the search challenging, there have been some false signs that gave us hope only to be confirmed that it wasn't the submarine.
Hoping tomorrow will be a better day with better news.
[If you got this far, thanks for reading]
Edit: Some links to news with more info:
- http://www.lanacion.com.ar/2084219-que-se-sabe-hasta-ahora-de-la-busqueda-del-submarino-ara-san-juan
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-21/missing-argentine-submarine-had-reported-electrical-malfunction/9173948
- https://news.sky.com/story/argentinas-missing-submarine-key-questions-on-disappearance-of-ara-san-juan-11136045
Edit 2:
Argentina's Navy spokesperson just gave a new press conference with updates. Basically nothing new regarding the submarine.
- Sea conditions are improving/expected to improve which will make the search at the bottom easier- They are still investigating the sounds they heard, though they are not the mrose code banging they'd expect from the submarine
- They found a life raft but concluded it's not from ARA San Juan
- Some of the rescue ships saw white flares, and they are trying to see where that came from. It's not from the submarine though, because they only have red or green flares.
Ooooooers
Hunt for blue November good luck! =)
QwertyBam
We have submarines?
CplCarrot
Hope the crew are found safe.
roakira5102
#1 i would check where Sean Connery is
Izzymandias
Look how much people are turning out to help find them. No borders no countries and their politics. Just people who need help.
MyGoalIsToOffendYou
From an American to an Argentinian, I hope that your sailors are found safely.
YouKnowWhatTheySayAboutWomenAndTrolleyCars
I'm from the Falklands, and youre right, we are all hoping for the safe return of your guys to their loved ones.
ketchuponeverything
NASA also has deployed aircraft to aid in the search.
gofuyose
Wish them a safe journey back
Undaftiness
I hope they find it with everyone alive..
HodgeNPodge
This would be my worst nightmare come true. I hope they are found very soon...I shudder at the thought of how they are feeling right now...
thelostfaith
Fellow squid here. I sailed alongside the Argentine navy for 2 UNITAS deployments. They were an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable 1/
thelostfaith
Set of sailors, and Argentina was incredibly friendly and hospitable to us. This saddens me greatly and I hope they find those fuckers
brunovonschmuno
Your English is excellent, btw.
LeadCommentFarmer
Here in South Africa we crashed one in the harbour. Our navy is a floating joke, except when its at the bottom of the harbour.
HotToTheDogs
Here in the UK we decommissioned our Nimrod aircraft, that would have been really good in the search for the Sub, hope all is well.
1414145691
god damn it, why do they keep decommissioning our shit?
YerDadSellsAvon
budget cuts + new Poseidon aircraft is better for sub hunting
TripUpStairs
Nice write up @justadogperson Hoping for good news along with you!
justadogperson
Thank you!
VeggieDogg562
Sitting at the control center at the US Undersea Rescue Command. Awesome to see my job featured here
mistermystery
Whoah, no shit? Would you get in trouble for doing an AMA?
Pappy55
As a Brit despite the history between us I hope the crew are well. Im happy to see British forces helping with the search too.
NigerianPrinceWhoSentYouThatEmail
Trust the Argintinians to loose a goddamn submarine though. I hope the crew is okay, but seriously?
davidsarif
This is dumb, plenty of navies have lost subs in peacetime
deliciousbananapancakes
Yep, glad to see the royal navy is involved. People are people.
EtherealRune
same
GirlInTheGreenDress
My husband is a submariner. This is one of my biggest fears. I hope they find them. :'(
Metallica93
How is this the largest search-and-rescue in 30 years? That record wasn't set looking for those handful of downed passenger planes? wtf
Thorbane
Airliner goes missing over the open ocean with no distress call? It's probably already lost with all onboard.
OhMyCrapMoonCake
50miles from shore rather than 1950km....
Metallica93
So what? Quite a few nations still looked, anyway. It was a massive effort.
TheChadZelenskyy
Meanwhile on the submarine they are detecting multiple radar signals converting on their location and are shitting themselves with fear.
RacecarRoadcar
Is it...... A Kaiju?
TheChadZelenskyy
Converging! You all knew what I meant.
TheChadZelenskyy
Especially you Todd.
wildcatfan4life
Is the Russian Navy sending help? Heard they have some submarine experience
. But seriously hope their found.
SirChadwellHeath
Russians have had some bad submarine experience, presumably this is why the Argentines have quickly invited help from other nations -->
SirChadwellHeath
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kursk_submarine_disaster
Andolomar
Putin's press speech: [Putin walks in] Reporter: "What has happened to the Kursk?" Putin: "It sank". [Putin walks out]
IamJustinSane
Canada has three submarines too; we keep them in the Edmonton mall for the kids to play on.
soulsick
I'm going to correct you right now. We have 4 submarine.
IamJustinSane
I did actually correct myself in the reply to the comment above, but thank you. (and I believe they’re all gone now.)
MaSu10
Lol although that is hilarious, I am pretty sure we have atleast 6, my bro worked on them, some are docked in Victoria, this was 3 years ago
IamJustinSane
I’m sure we do... I hope. The Edmonton Mall did indeed have 4 real subs for ppl to ride in, from 1985-2005, then got rid of them in 2012.
MaSu10
Interesting, last time I was there was in 2001, the mall is still Top 5 in the world.
SirSpunge
US Navy here (out now), here's all the hope for the best. Sailors are sailors, no matter where you're from.
zombiejon
Not just sailors, but anyone who has spent enough time on or around the water.
Courier87
I would love to have been on the phone for the request to the UK. "Yeah, we can help, we've got some ships and aircraft in the area anyway"
Aesurah
When it comes to search and rescue for subs, most countries offer help, politics be damned.
Cornflakes91
"hey harvel, you are a brit spy anyway. you have the quickest line to someone who can help. call them"
1414145691
haha do you reckon there was a phonecall or did they just go over and bang on the side for the ladder to be let down
I3ios
there is lot of fish, so we'll send some chips.
Dendaria
No one waits to be asked when a sub is lost. The UK would have rung Argentina to offer help.
DougDeNasty
Sadly some turn away that help. (Kursk)
DeputyChiefJudgeFish
That still makes me bloody angry! We could have rescued that crew a dozen times over if not for Cold War style paranoia.
randomoverusedcomment
"Will there be exocets?" "N-no?" "Ok I'll help"
Metallica93
What's the context here?
Galdrack
Falklands War
SubterraneanDwellingMonkey
Falklands war
Metallica93
Thought so. Sadly, I only know about it in passing through Dire Straits' 'Brothers In Arms', so off to Google I go!
litro
Falklands War: Argentina invaded the Falklands, British territory. Got kicked out by the UK. Bad blood since due to butthurt nationalists.
Metallica93
Thanks for the short version! Gonna open a few tabs and read up on it later.
AWACSLongCaster
HK198 FKL. The Licence plate that kicked top gear out of Argentina.
Doctadeth
Proved to be normal plates that had been on the car since registration.
AWACSLongCaster
Oh I support Top Gear completely on the matter. No reason to react that badly to the license plate. Bit Clarkson is known for doing that.
brknsoul
The "We have submarines?!?" comment made me think of; https://pics.me.me/oure-kidding-right-has-a-warship-like-or-war-does-22365880.png
IDidntWantToSignUpForImgur
Canada has a long history of war. This joke annoys me.
brknsoul
Then you take life far too seriously. This joke is intended to portray the acceptance and niceness of Canada.
DonnaNobleInTheLibrary
And "Submarine Parachute Assistance Group" had me go "now THAT's something I wanna see, paratroops jumping out of a sub".
shackslam
Maybe they get launched out the missile tubes.
GabenTheGreat
What? We have a war ship?
GabenTheGreat
Does the Prime-minister know?
DavidBrooker
Not of our procurement plans keep going the way they're going.
GadenKerensky
I find this funny, considering Canadian Special Forces are among the deadliest in the world.
JudgementalMan
I'm surprised no one hates Canada, I mean they are usually following the U.K in its own wars and tons of ppl hate the UK
brknsoul
Really? Does Canada know that Canada has Special Forces? ;-)
grklein
Of course they are, they have to deal with canadian geese.
LiterallyWorseThanHitler
Nah, they are very highly-trained geese
dhulqarnayn
Glad to see even the Brits graciously helping. What a horrifying thing to happen
JHawke
Are Brittish people known for not helping in America?
Catandhercat
We went to "war" with them - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falklands_War
JHawke
Who hasn't.
PTKrieg
The Royal Navy and the Argentinians had a shootout a while back over some island property, and it's still a sore point.
EtherealRune
A violent Argentinan junta invaded a UK territory in the 80's and were ejected. Since then they have seemed to have a hatred to the UK
dhulqarnayn
The Bongs have had disagreements with the Argentines in the past ...
acertainjenesaisquoi
The bongs?
Stev757
I assume it's a reference to Big Ben's chime, but I've never seen it used like this before.
GadenKerensky
More about Argentine and Britain. They've had a war in the past, and territory is still disputed.
kernell32
And the Sub was relatively close to the Falkland Islands
dogenuggets
A territory that British people live on and is far enough away that the UK might as well claim Iceland as theirs in comparison.
ConfirmologistUK
nope. you have no idea what you're talking about
Catandhercat
There have been multiple votes on if they wanna be argie or British and British has won by a landslide every time
DrzBa42
Bit like Alaska (being closer to Russia, and all)or Hawai'i and the US then? Or Argentina claiming part of Antarctica. Or is that different?
12rt2345g342563
Hawaii you might have an argument for. Alaska was legally acquired from Russia.
12rt2345g342563
Umm. That was not his point. The UK and Argentina fought a war somewhat recently.
JHawke
I think you misunderstand that I just asked a very simple question, I was not questioning anyones point or whatever.
turfandturf
"He may be trying to defect"
sbn025
Capt. Bart Mancuso: You’re turning into the torpedo’s path. Captain Ramius: Yeshhh!!
ehellbow
Quick! Send him the measurements for the playmate of the month!
CommanderWilliamTRiker
buckrabbit
I will marry a round american woman, we will raise rabbits and she will cook them for me...
DougDeNasty
... and I will move to Montana. 3 years later he is in Montana. (Jurassic Park)
turfandturf
Username checks out
Metallica93
[faint Soviet music plays in background]
ehellbow
CON, SONAR... CRAZY IVAN!
haunter64
Wouldnt that help find them?
PTKrieg
That's the joke. In the film Red October (origin of the qoute) the U.S.N. first spots the titular sub via sonar b/c the crew is singing.
Metallica93
Should've pulled a 'Down Periscope'. Silly Russians.
Jaaybiird
I love you
Metallica93
Prove it. Spoon me and let's watch 'Crimson Tide', baby.
Jaaybiird
I would totally do that, honey.
Metallica93
Well, paint me green and call me a pickle. It's a date.
dtek
It's an incredible story; hopefully one that will turn out well. I read that searchers think they've heard the crew banging on the hull? No?
usersubbordercontrol
I'm just surprised that they didn't give exact location the whole time losing contact. Just hope they're alive
HD2composer
Given the lack of the president's support in PR after their storm. I am glad that awful man is not getting in the way of US Navy efforts.
zackofspades
He’ll complain about the cost eventually and say it wasted his tax $ (that he cheated out of giving anyway). Orange Fucko can fucking drown.
usersubbordercontrol
Like those poor souls under water
devasto
"Orange Fucko", I like that
zackofspades
I believe I hadn’t seen it before I started using it, but feel free to make it your own. While we can.
v
justadogperson
It was later confirmed that those were not from a submarine but rather some "biologic" sound. They are still looking into it just in case
manslut
Whale farts.
Obviouspigeon
Did someone say "biological banging?!" *porn music starts*
dtek
Sorry to hear that. :( I hope they are found safe and well.
raidleadergutts
"some "biologic" sound" http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-169
RamenFlavourPacket
Thats not terrifying
shimmernshine
Sharks and squid banging into the hull.
ctennessen
Reverse sardines
soulsick
Ex-submariner here. I'm willing to bet its electrical fire.
Masticause
Had a fire in ventilation once from a heater coil(ex-sub), It's was frightening. I hope all's well for them.
warick
Ex-submariner electrician here, I bet you're right.
ballsohard2202
As another sailor, first thing I thought when I originally read this is that they’re goners. The sat signal they got gave me hope but...
bentobox722
I thought so also, but satcom company confirmed false signals. 7-10days of O2 cannisters, but looks like they may have found it. Prayers.
ballsohard2202
You got a link? I hadn’t heard that they were false signals or that they found it. That’s awesome if they did
bentobox722
Another false alarm apparently. things are looking grim.
likifucrieverytim
Is it true that the Oxygen scrubbers will start a nasty chem fire if they touch the fuel?
sixDQcoupons
Latching onto top comment in case someone comes across this post much later as I just did, the sub was not found until nearly a year 1/2
sixDQcoupons
later by the US and had imploded from pressure at extreme depth. Still unknown why it sank. 2/2
Buhcook
As a US sub electrician vet I couldn’t agree more
STINKPICKEL
Ex-Navy here, I view fire on ship as one of the most terrifying things you can experience.
MaceAries
Also Ex-Navy, being trapped during an emergency scares me. Doesn't matter if it's fire or flood, as long as I can escape to the life rafts.
STINKPICKEL
Amen to that bro.
bentobox722
Ex-subs also. agreed probably electrical fire, but rough seas and no ability to run diesel, not looking good for them.
losboccacc
qq: I wonder why after having issues they didn't emerge. I know protocol and shit, but there's no war, it's an emergency, gtfo of water
MirtoLegrand
Because of the weather
warick
Despite backup systems, as unlikely as multiple point system failures, they do happen. Emergencies seldom pan out the way you're trained for
DougDeNasty
Yesterday they had nearly 20ft high waves. Subs don't handle rough water well. The top of conning tower is roughly 20 feet above the water.
imhoots
It could be because they are having serious problems and can't surface. I bet they would "emerge" if they could.
kernell32
The sub isn't prepared to be on surface during bad weather and 6-8 mt high waves. Climatic conditions were the worst possible
AzgarOgly
It seems that the sea is very rough up there. Surfacing might be dangerous. Aside it might be not possible because of malfunctions. //
AzgarOgly
Remember К-141 Курск sunk in 2000? It was even on depth less than her length. And could not surface because of damage.
iCommentPics
Weather is making this impossible. They are searching on Surface And underwater. And if they can navigate they should emerge when weather 1/
iCommentPics
Allows it. Their last call Was about them having issues with batteries And they were ordered to head Mar del plata. So it wasnt serious 2/
iCommentPics
At that time. They either can't navigate And they Lost control Or they can't contact Commands And they are waiting for good weather.-
omh1
Its a diesel sub, if their battery issues got worse quickly they may not be able to, no batteries means no power to dump ballast to surface
Squossifrage
They don't need power to blow ballast. They used compressed air for that.
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Not being familiar with the design, but it may have solid ballast, not air, but I hypothisize...
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Meant to say "water" indtead of "air"
Squossifrage
Solid ballast? The ballast is water, it they use compressed air to force it out of the ballast tanks.
justadogperson
It's been suggested. What happens in that case?
Vikingkangaroo
Read about the russian submarine "Kursk"....but that's worst case scenario
soulsick
Lots of dead submariners.
throuts
Depending on the batteries, they can let off hydrogen gas when under discharge....it would be like the Hindenburg under water.
iCommentPics
Nosotros sí tenemos recursos, pero para mejorar la búsqueda aceptamos ayuda. El CONICET tiene un barco especializado en mapeo marítimo.
iCommentPics
Más todos los barcos que están buscando señales de SOS. En Twitter hay una imagen con todos los barcos y aviones argentinos que participan.
Sonicdahedgie
Everyone dies.
izoazlion
Useless fuck
gewalt
if the fire is in the battery room, you seal the vents and pray it goes out. or you flood the battery room with sea water an pray you float
Ashboomstick
And that’s how you get chlorine gas in an enclosed space...
gewalt
flooding the battery well with seawater would only be done after an emergency blow (surface), and the well is vented directly overboard
gewalt
either way, best case scenario is immobile on the surface of the water, worst case scenario is everyone died from battery fire fumes
Fluffycorn
well... that sounds optimistic D:
Tracomaster
not at all. The worst case would be some died, but there are still people alive on the bottom of the ocean like with the kursk
DirectorBright
Fire in an airtight container is generally considered to be a bad thing for anyone interested in breathing whilst in said container.
KingBamboo
Not only in an airtight container - Fire at sea is considered as worst case.
CoBr2
Also pretty bad in the air. I think we can all agree fires are bad mmmkay.
Dahliaisahedgehog
They're good for s'mores
trashyTrashpanda
Depends on severity, also sub vet here, we’ve lost a lot of guys to battery fires
MushroomFiend
Supposedly last communication was about battery issues.
trashyTrashpanda
Well shit
kernell32
That information was released to the public yesterday.
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Remember the Bonefish
trashyTrashpanda
Especially on diesel boats
coololdguy
Oh man :(
volatilefrank
Sub eater here, I love Subway's meatball marinara with provolone and extra marinara sauce. Yeah, I'm one of those types :/
funkAsDruck
To quote Frankie Boyle describing all Scottish people, “You’re a cunt. But it’s alright. I like cunts”
Ifuhksluhts
Lol that was a good laugh
Halflingflinger
Shit, some people are really fucking butthurt, apparently. That was funny.
Nnsoch
I'm gonna upvote this and more of your other stuff to make up for butthurt people lol
mentalpiggie
I still thought it was funny regardless of the moment.
EpicMasterMan
You're funny ,don't change
Isaypoopythingsbecausemostofyouannoyme
Gross
Isaypoopythingsbecausemostofyouannoyme
I said GROSS
chopper35
really? pick your comments dude.
MoPowahBaybeh
OOOOwweeeeee He's tryin.
Illsaysomethingjusttomakeyoumad
Talk about a hole in one
LordDenmark
Yeah i was searching submarine gifs for a laugh..... but urs is fine
SomeThingsAboutKittyCats
Dude. Pick your moments
crasemanna
I for one enjoyed the levity and can't think of a better moment for gentle humour
HomosexualNecrophiliacMallard
He's giving light to a serious situation. Humor helps.