Every November 15, the Argentine Republic pays tribute to the 44 crew members of the submarine ARA San Juan, who lost their lives in the line of duty while patrolling and guarding the Argentine Sea. On this day of national reflection, we stand in deep respect with their families and reaffirm the commitment of the State and all of society to preserving their memory.
The commemorative date was established by Law No. 27,758, enacted on October 17, 2024, which officially designates this day as the National Day of Remembrance for the 44 Heroes and Heroine of the ARA San Juan Submarine, along with the reaffirmation and defense of the Nation’s sovereign rights over its maritime territory. Through this law, outreach and awareness-raising activities are promoted throughout the national territory regarding the strategic importance of surveillance in the South Atlantic.
The submarine ARA San Juan had set sail on November 8, 2017, from the Ushuaia Naval Base bound for its usual homeport in Mar del Plata, as part of a patrol mission in the waters of the South Atlantic. A week later, on November 15, all contact with the vessel was lost while it was sailing off the coast of the San Jorge Gulf amid a severe storm. Prior to the loss of communications, the chief of operations had reported the onset of a fire in battery tank number 3, indicating a critical emergency on board.
After a year of intensive search efforts involving international cooperation, the wreckage of the vessel was located on November 17, 2018, 597 kilometers from the city of Comodoro Rivadavia and at a depth of more than 900 meters, near the location of its last communication. The discovery was made by the Norwegian vessel Seabed Constructor, operated by Ocean Infinity, after deploying a specialized team of 40 professionals to conduct the underwater search.
The 43 men and the sole woman on board—Lieutenant Eliana Krawczyk, Latin America’s first female diver—embody the highest values of dedication, professionalism, and love for the homeland.
In honoring their memory, the Nation highlights the daily work of those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding national interests and consolidates the legacy of these 44 guardians of the sea as a permanent symbol of unity, respect, and the defense of Argentine sovereignty.
