Argentina: Satellite calls 'not from missing submarine'
Navy spokesman Enrique Balbi told reporters in Buenos Aires Monday that the seven low-frequency signals received by navy bases were not attempted distress calls from the crew of the missing submarine, as previously believed.
"We've received the report from the company that analyzed the signals — the seven attempted calls did not come from the submarine's satellite phone," he said. "We have still been unable to contact them."
More: Missing Argentine submarine may have attempted contact 7 times
The signals had been detected on Saturday, fueling hopes for the 44 missing crew members.
Authorities last had contact with the ARA San Juan on Wednesday as it sailed up Argentina's south coast towards Mar del Plata. During that final communication, the vessel had reported a mechanical breakdown.
Several boats and aircraft from Argentina, Uruguay, the United States, Britain, Chile and Brazil have been scouring the South Atlantic for signs of the German-built diesel-electric sub, but their efforts have been hampered by stormy weather and rough seas.