Four former high-ranking Argentine naval officers stood trial Tuesday in Santa Cruz province, facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in the catastrophic sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine in November 2017. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 44 crew members aboard the German-built vessel.
The defendants, who maintain their innocence, confront allegations including dereliction of duty, breach of official obligations, and aggravated negligent destruction—all carrying potential prison sentences. Prosecutors presented evidence indicating the submarine had experienced ‘numerous technical defects’ since its 2015 mid-life overhaul, with these deficiencies reportedly documented by multiple captains over the years.
According to judicial investigations, the fatal sequence began when seawater entered ventilation ducts, reaching battery compartments and triggering a short circuit and minor fire. This caused the vessel to lose propulsion and commence an uncontrolled descent beyond its crush depth of approximately 600 meters, resulting in catastrophic implosion.
Despite the military prosecutions, no high-level political figures from the administration of then-President Mauricio Macri have faced legal accountability. Families of the victims, represented by attorney Luis Tagliapietra, have criticized the judicial process for excluding political leadership from investigation and for failing to conduct essential expert analyses.
The trial unfolds more than six years after the submarine disappeared during its transit from Ushuaia to Mar del Plata following training exercises. Despite reporting and subsequently downplaying a snorkel malfunction hours before the disaster, the vessel vanished with all hands in the South Atlantic.