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Missing Argentine Sub May Be Running Out of Air

by Jim Randle

   Time -- and oxygen -- may be running out for the 44 crew members aboard
   the missing Argentine submarine ARA San Juan.

   The vessel has not been heard from since November 15, when the crew
   reported an electrical problem. The San Juan can normally operate for
   about a week underwater without replenishing its air supply.

   The 2,000-ton submersible uses diesel engines on the surface and
   battery-powered electric motors underwater. At the surface, the
   German-built ship's four diesels can charge the batteries.

   Hopes have been raised and dashed several times for the sailors when
   possible satellite phone calls, underwater sounds and wreckage all
   turned out not to be from the missing San Juan.

   The last known position of the sub was off the coast of Patagonia.

   Foul weather has hampered a search by Argentine naval vessels and
   military and research ships and planes from many nations, including
   Chile, Brazil, the United States and Britain.