GETTY • REUTERS
A huge search was launched when the ARA San Juan vanished travelling through the South Atlantic along with its 44 crew members on November 15.
Yesterday, the sister of one of the crew members, Jessica Medina, claimed her brother sent her a “strange” message two days before the last communication was made.
She said her sibling, Roberto, the second sub-officer, told her on WhatsApp a British helicopter and a Chilean ship began tracking the vessel when it passed the Falkland Islands on November 13.
He reportedly wrote: “On Monday an English helicopter was looking for us, and yesterday the Chileans, there has been a lot going on.”
But following the claims, the Ministry of Defence said today: “This story is completely untrue.”
Jesica wants the message included in the investigation led by federal judge Marta Yanez, she said: “I think we're not the only family who has heard something like this, I think there are many others. Judge Yanez will have to investigate.
EPA
“This story is completely untrue”
MoD
"We all feel they are hiding things from us. The Navy has practically tortured us with all this situation they have made us live."
Britain joined an international search after the 34-year-old German-built diesel-electric submarine went missing.
Fears grew over time for the onboard members after reports suggested the vessel had run out of oxygen.
Inside Britain's DEADLY Vanguard nuclear submarine
Getty Images
According to officials, the sub had enough oxygen to survive underwater for seven days.
An eerie final photograph emerged earlier this week showing all the crew members before they went on board the ARA San Juan.
The photo was taken on August 1 at the naval base in the Atlantic resort of Mar del Plata.