Ever wondered about that sleek vessel resting near the Ushuaia shoreline? It’s the ARA Towora. This torpedo boat holds a fascinating piece of Argentine naval history.
The ARA Towora was originally designated LT-3. It later became P-84. This Higgins type torpedo boat served the Argentine Navy. The ship is now preserved and displayed proudly in Ushuaia.
Let’s journey back to 1948. Argentina acquired ten of these Higgins-type torpedo boats. They were surplus from the Second World War. The United States sold them after they served in the Pacific theater. These boats arrived in Argentina disassembled. They were shipped from New Orleans to the Río Santiago Naval Base.
The ARA Towora was placed under the command of Lieutenant Anatol Tarapow. Its mission was patrolling the Beagle Channel. Imagine the Towora navigating these waters. It guarded Argentina’s interests.
Before arriving in Ushuaia, the ARA Towora operated in the Río de la Plata. It conducted routine exercises. Crews trained in San Clemente del Tuyú. They also practiced torpedo launches and artillery drills in Mar del Plata. The ARA Towora also patrolled the Paraná and Uruguay rivers.
In 1968, the ARA Towora was sent to Ushuaia. It joined the ARA Alakush. Together, they formed the Rapid Boat Grouping. These boats marked a permanent combat presence in Tierra del Fuego. This was after a Chilean torpedo boat entered Ushuaia Bay in 1968.
The ARA Towora underwent modifications in 1969. These changes improved navigation in the southern waters. It received aluminum plating and offensive weaponry. A heating system was installed to keep the engine room warm. The temperature had to stay between 10°C and 15°C. This ensured the engines ran smoothly.
During the 1978 Beagle conflict with Chile, the ARA Towora played a crucial role. It was deployed to Lapataia Bay. Lieutenant Carlos Olveira commanded the vessel. Its gray hull was painted with camouflage colors like black, green and brown. The cannons were upgraded from 20 mm to 40 mm.
The ARA Towora served until 1984. It was then decommissioned. Afterward, it became a mooring pontoon. Later, it was moved to the Fuegian Association of Underwater Activities and Nautical sports grounds. It was used as a storage shed.
In 2009, efforts began to restore the ARA Towora. The hull and command bridge were repaired. The boat was repainted. It was then relocated to a spot near the Ushuaia Aeroclub. This area is planned to become a theme park.
The ARA Towora was powered by three Packard gasoline engines. Each engine produced 1500 horsepower. It could reach speeds of 42 knots. Its range was 1000 miles at 20 knots. The boat carried nine tons of 90-octane gasoline. Its armaments included two Bofors 20 mm guns and four 12.7 mm machine guns.
Today, the ARA Towora stands as a testament to Argentina’s naval history. It also commemorates the dedication of the sailors who served on it. Take a moment to appreciate this vessel. It symbolizes courage and commitment in the face of challenging conditions. The ARA Towora remains a proud reminder of Argentina’s maritime heritage here in Ushuaia.