by 7:00 am on 11 september 1973, a date chosen to match the historical coup of 12 september 1924, the navy captured valparaíso, strategically stationing ships and marine infantry in the central coast and closed radio and television networks. the province prefect informed president allende of the navy's actions; immediately, the president went to the presidential palace with his bodyguards, the "group of personal friends" (gap). by 8:00 am, the army had closed most radio and television stations in santiago city; the air force bombed the remaining active stations; the president received incomplete information, and was convinced that only a sector of the navy conspired against him and his government.