An Argentinian submarine that disappeared in the Atlantic with 44 crew members on board did not have enough food, oxygen or escape suits for everyone, a damning report has found.
The ARA San Juan submarine, which was allegedly spying on the Falkland Islands, went missing on November 15 last year.
The vessel was supposed to carry sufficient supplies for all 44 crew members for seven days, but what was on board was only enough for 34 people.
The ARA San Juan submarine did not have enough food, oxygen or escape suits for everyone, a damning report has revealed
An Argentine Naval report said the submarine only had enough emergency oxygen on board for six days even though it had capacity for 100.
However, this was not the only concerning issue for Federal Judge Marta Yanez, who is responsible for investigating the disappearance and subsequent national and international hunt for the missing vessel.
The submarine – which was sent on unspecified manoeuvres in or around Falkland waters, was also in worse condition than previously thought.
The submarine’s hatch was awaiting final approval and it is unclear whether the vessel left with a compromised escape trunk.
The vessel was supposed to carry sufficient supplies for all 44 crew members for seven days, but what was on board was only enough for 34 people
The ARA San Juan submarine, which was allegedly spying on the Falkland Islands, went missing on November 15 last year
Also, 95 percent of the fitted air filters had expired and the vessel had almost 600 fewer than planned by the manufacturer.
Additionally, the ARA San Juan did not have enough escape suits for all crew members.
Lawyer Valeria Carrera, who is prosecuting the case, said the crew members also had to deal with complications such as food shortage.
The report said the submarine had 240 units of mixed preserves, emergency rations, in thermosealed flavors;’ 240 half-liter bottles of Gatorade energy drink, as well as two cereal bars and two chocolate bars for every crew member.
Ms Carrera showed that therefore, the submarine only had enough food for 34 people – 10 fewer than on board – for a maximum of seven days.
According to reports, San Juan Commander Pedro Martin Fernandez had demanded more supplies and resources months before embarking on their ill-fated operation.