Rescued Miners

As I watched television coverage of the miraculous rescue of the 33 miners in chile, I was totally absorbed in the human drama being played out on the TV screen. For weeks I had followed the news of the painfully slow drilling progress of a small hole that allowed communication between the miners trapped a mile below ground and rescuers, who were overjoyed to know the men were alive.

Trapped for seventeen days, not knowing if they would, or could, be rescued, I can only imagine their euphoria when communication was made. Cameras and lights were rigged so that the world could see pictures of the miners as they received foods and medicine. Notes were sent back and forth from miners and families, who camped near the drilling sight day and night, as the rescue was underway.

When the realization that the rescue would take several months, it was decided to tell the men how long it would take. To keep their spirits high, knowledge, gained from other rescued miners, along with suggestions from psychiatrists, and NASA's experiences with astronauts, was employed to ease the emotional strain the miners suffered.

The accomplishment of such a rescue is mind boggling. Never before had there been a rescue a mile below ground and thru solid rock, with the miners having the distinction of surviving the longest in trapped conditions, both before, and after, rescue. Well wishers around the globe sent their prayers and congratulations to the miners as well as the citizens of Chile for having organized and executed this historical rescue. It will be discussed and remembered for many years to come.

Photos of the Rescued Chilean Miners