Today, 15 November, Argentina remembers and honours the 44 heroes and heroine who lost their lives in the sinking of the submarine ARA San Juan, in a tribute that reaffirms the commitment to the memory and defence of the sovereignty of the Argentine Sea. This commemorative day was established through Law No. 27,758, enacted on 17 October 2024, and declares every 15 November as the National Day of Remembrance of the 44 Heroes and Heroine of the submarine ARA San Juan, and the reaffirmation and defence of the sovereign rights of the Argentine Sea.
The ARA San Juan submarine departed on 8 November 2017 from the Ushuaia Naval Base bound for Mar del Plata. A week later, on 15 November, all contact was lost while it was patrolling the Atlantic waters off Golfo San Jorge in the middle of a heavy storm. Prior to the disappearance, the chief of operations had reported a fire in the number 3 battery tank, indicating a critical situation for the crew.
After a year of intense searching, the remains of the submarine were found on 17 November 2018, 597 kilometres from Comodoro Rivadavia and at a depth of more than 900 metres, very close to the point where the last communication was recorded. The company Ocean Infinity, through the Norwegian vessel Seabed Constructor, located the wreckage in September of the same year, after deploying a specialised team of 40 people to resume the search.
The ARA San Juan and its crew members represent courage, sacrifice and commitment to the defence of Argentine sovereignty in the Argentine Sea. The purpose of this day is for society to remember and pay tribute to the men and the only woman, Eliana Krawczyk, who gave their lives in the line of duty, defending the interests and rights of the Nation over its waters.
This date seeks to preserve the legacy of the crew members of the ARA San Juan, promoting commemorative and dissemination activities throughout the country, to raise awareness in society about the importance of the custody and surveillance of the Argentine Sea. With this law, Argentina not only honours its heroes, but also reaffirms its right and commitment to the defence of its waters and territory.
The 44 heroes and heroine of the ARA San Juan represent the legacy of those who dedicated their lives to the defence of the country. On this date, every citizen is invited to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who protect Argentina's sovereignty and to remember the importance of their mission, one that continues to inspire the nation to keep alive the respect and memory of these brave guardians of the sea.
