The recent presence of the British ship RRS Sir David Attenborough in Argentine waters has generated intense controversy, as it was flying the flag of the illegitimate government of the Falkland Islands. Various experts and Argentine authorities indicate that this event violates local legislation, which prohibits the navigation of ships destined for the Falklands without the corresponding authorization from the country. In this regard, Eduardo Ganeau, retired Navy Commodore and Veteran of the Falklands War, indicates that the use of the Falklands Islands flag makes the RRS Sir David Attenborough considered illegal, preventing its 'innocent passage' through Argentine Territorial Sea.
Argentina reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, based on its National Constitution, which establishes the obligation to recover them according to international law. In light of this situation, the country has communicated to the British Crown that if the navigation of the RRS repeats in Argentine waters, the ship will be captured as it is considered illegal. This stance has sparked criticism towards the Argentine Ministry of Defense, which does not recognize the flag of the Falkland government as valid.
Moreover, during the IV Summit of Guyana, South American presidents supported the Argentine position by deeming the use of the Falkland Islands flag and any vessels displaying it unacceptable. It is declared that navigation in Argentine waters without authorization is illegal, including scientific vessels operating in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, which is seen as a violation of national sovereignty. In this context, the RRS Sir David Attenborough is receiving media attention.
On the other hand, the British vessel is part of a government investment aimed at strengthening Britain's polar infrastructure, positioning it at the forefront of research in Antarctica and the Arctic. With a construction cost of 200 million pounds, the RRS Sir David Attenborough has remarkable operational capabilities, such as autonomy of up to 60 days and the ability to break ice layers one meter thick, making it valuable for research in polar regions.
The vessel, with a length of 129 meters, a beam of 24 meters, and a gross tonnage of 15,000, has navigated through the Le Maire Strait from the Falkland Islands to the British Antarctic base of Rothera, demonstrating its capability in adverse conditions. The situation continues to be monitored and analyzed by Argentine authorities and the international community.
