An Argentine submarine that went missing almost exactly one year ago has been found at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Argentine Navy and Defense Ministry confirmed late Friday evening that the remains of the ARA San Juan submarine had been located in the south Atlantic Ocean at a depth of about 800 meters (approximately a half mile), about 700 miles due east of the Argentine city of Puerto Madryn.
The families of the 44 crew members who perished in the accident have been summoned to Mar del Plata Naval Base to be officially informed this weekend.
Officials in the South American country lost radio contact with the San Juan on Nov. 15, 2017 and were unable to locate the missing sub in following days and months. President Mauricio Macri declared a period of mourning starting on Saturday.
"Their sense of purpose, their sacrifice and self-giving for the nation, should inspire us all," Macri said, in Spanish, according to The Associated Press. "They are an example of life for all Argentines. As a homage to all of them, we will declare national mourning for three days."