Every November 15th, Argentina remembers and pays tribute to the 44 crew members of the submarine ARA San Juan, who lost their lives in the line of duty, defending the sovereignty of the Argentine Sea.

The date was established by Law No. 27,758, enacted on October 17th, 2024, which established the National Day of Remembrance for the 44 Heroes of the ARA San Juan Submarine and reaffirmed the sovereign rights of the Nation over its maritime territory.

The submarine ARA San Juan had departed on November 8th, 2017, from the Ushuaia Naval Base bound for Mar del Plata, with the mission of patrolling the waters of the South Atlantic. A week later, on November 15, all contact was lost while it was sailing off the coast of the San Jorge Gulf in the midst of a severe storm. Minutes earlier, the chief of operations had reported a fire in battery tank number 3, indicating a critical emergency on board.

After a year of intense international searching, the wreckage of the submarine was found on November 17th, 2018, 597 kilometers from Comodoro Rivadavia and more than 900 meters deep. The discovery was made by the company Ocean Infinity using the Norwegian vessel Seabed Constructor, which had deployed a specialized team to continue the search.

The ARA San Juan and its 44 crew members—including Lieutenant Eliana Krawczyk, Latin America's first female submariner—embody courage, dedication to service, and commitment to defending national sovereignty.

This day seeks to keep alive the memory of the heroes of the ARA San Juan, reaffirming the importance of the custody and surveillance of the Argentine Sea and of those who devote their lives to protecting the nation.

Today, Argentina honors its 44 heroes, examples of dedication, courage, and love for their country, whose legacy endures as a symbol of unity, respect, and commitment to national sovereignty.