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What kind of ship was the ARA Santa Fe?

The ARA Santa Fe was a diesel submarine built by the United States in 1945. It used diesel engines to run on the surface of the water and large batteries to travel while underwater. Argentina bought the submarine from the United States to help build up its own navy.

What was the main job of this submarine?

The submarine was designed to patrol deep under the ocean to watch for enemy ships. During the war in 1982, it had a special mission to carry secret commandos to an island called South Georgia. Its ability to travel quietly underwater made it a useful tool for sneaking soldiers into place.

What happened to the submarine in April 1982?

The ARA Santa Fe sailed through very cold waters to deliver supplies and extra soldiers to South Georgia Island. British helicopters spotted the ship while it was trying to leave the area after finishing its mission. This discovery led to an attack that damaged the submarine.

How was the ARA Santa Fe damaged and defeated?

British forces attacked the submarine using depth charges and powerful missiles. The crew was unable to escape the area because the ship was hit badly during the fight. To keep the submarine from sinking in deep water, the crew steered it toward the shore where they eventually gave up the ship.

What is the historical legacy of the ARA Santa Fe?

The ARA Santa Fe is remembered as a piece of history from the conflict in the South Atlantic. It shows how older ships were still being used in wars many years after they were built in World War II. Today, its story reminds us of the dangers that sailors face when performing secret missions at sea.

Home Library ArgentinaARA Santa Fe (S-21)

Submarine

ARA Santa Fe (S-21)

An older diesel submarine that secretly carried commandos to South Georgia during the invasion.

Argentina Introduced 1945 Portsmouth Naval ShipyardRole: Subsurface patrol and commando transport

Specifications

Length

311 feet

Crew

80 officers and sailors

Submerged Speed

10 mph

Armament

10 torpedo tubes

History

The ARA Santa Fe was built in the United States during World War II and later sold to Argentina. It ran on diesel engines on the surface and battery power while underwater.

In April 1982, the submarine slipped through cold seas to deliver reinforcements and supplies to Argentine forces on South Georgia Island. British helicopters discovered it as it tried to sneak away.

After taking damage from depth charges and anti-ship missiles, the crew steered the submarine toward shore to keep it from sinking, where it was eventually abandoned.