Critical phase as ARA San Juan runs low on oxygen

Search-and-rescuers in the search for the lost Argentine navy submarine are concerned that the vessel may be running out of breathable air.

The search for an Argentine navy submarine that’s been missing for a week has reached a critical phase, with fears the 44 crew on board could be running low on oxygen.

Dozens of planes and boats are searching the waters off the Argentine coast in a 4,000-strong search and rescue operation, but there’s still no trace of the vessel.

Although the submarine has food and fuel for up to 90 days, if the San Juan is stranded at the bottom of the Atlantic, its air supply will be reaching critical levels.

Al Jazeera’s Daniel Schweimler reports from Buenos Aires.

By Daniel Schweimler