Argentina's A24 cable news channel read out what it said was the final message received from the fated vessel, revealing that it may have lost due to a sea water leak resulting in a fire in the sub's batteries.
"Entry of sea water through the ventilation system into battery tank No.3 caused a short circuit and the beginnings of a fire in the battery room. Bow batteries out of service. At the moment in immersion propelling with split circuit. No updates on personnel, will keep informed," the message read, as reported by The Telegraph.
The news channel did not reveal how it obtained the communication, which was presumably sent by the submarine's captain shortly after the emergency situation onboard the vessel began.
On Monday, Argentine Navy spokesman Captain Enrique Balbi told reporters that the San Juan reported water entering through its snorkel, which resulted in a fire that was successfully isolated.
Amid fading hopes over the fates of the submarine's 44-person crew, Navy spokesman Balbi said Monday that it cannot be ruled out that its crew is still alive, and "in a situation of extreme survival."
