Published: October 13, 2010

Chile Miners Rescue Progressing Well

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After being trapped 700 meters underground for more than 2 months, the first of the 33 miners got his long awaited taste of freedom in the early hours of Wednesday morning (local time).

The rescue capsules (two may be used) have barely enough space for a man and take around 10-15 minutes to travel up through the very narrow shaft that was specially drilled for this rescue.

Whilst the trapped miners have been under considerable stress for the last 2 months, the journey up to the surface will be equally stressful and not without some danger. It will not be easy spending even a short time confined in such a small space, which must be like being placed in a coffin.

Of course, there is some safety features built into the capsule and the miners will be monitored during their entire time in the capsule. Should it get stuck at any point, the lower half of the capsule can be lowered back down to the mine.

After testing the capsule without an occupant, a mining specialist was lowered down to the mine in order to check the shaft and was supposed to be followed by a paramedic to monitor the condition of the men as they waited for their turn to escape. However, there was a last minute change in the plans and the first miner was brought up ahead of schedule. Whilst there is no doubting the bravery of the trapped miners, the first person to travel down in the capsule must also be admired for his courage.

It is uncertain how long it will take to rescue all of the miners, who will be taken out one at a time, but it could take up to 2 days. At the moment each return trip is taking less than one hour and at the time of writing, 11 miners have been successfully rescued.

According to reports, the miners will spend at least 2 days in hospital following their rescue, although some of them look in remarkably good health and may decide to shorten this time if they can.

The story of the trapped miners has captured worldwide interest since the tunnel they were in collapsed on the 5th of August, and initially the worst was expected. Thankfully, the discovery of their survival 17 days later provided hope and the race to save them was put into action.

Initially, their rescue was not expected until at least Christmas, but the rescue shaft was completed ahead of schedule.

There is certain to be some continuing worry while the rescue is underway, and no one will be able to celebrate properly until the very last man is safe. However, if all goes well this shouldn't take too long. One potential risk would be an earthquake close to the mine and at least two have occurred in the last few days in Chile, but hopefully the rescue can be completed before anything like this happens

We would like to congratulate the rescue workers for their amazing efforts and wish the miners and their families the very best for the future.