The 33 workers that have been trapped inside a mine in Chile were able to make verbal contact with officials for the first time. During this contact, the miners were heard applauding, cheering and singing the country’s national anthem. The conversation was broadcast on television for the country to hear.
When asked how they were doing, Miner Luiz Urzua was the one who responded, telling officials that the miners were well and hoping for a rescue.
The miners have been trapped in a shelter approximately 2300 feet underground for 17 days. They survived by sharing small amounts of food, consuming as little as necessary for bare survival. They also found water and have shared that as well.
One of the probes sent down had a video camera that showed the miners jumping and moving their arms as they turned on flashlights.
The area the miners are in is about 538 square feet. It includes a section that held water and batteries. The temperatures hover around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunday was a happy day when officials found out that the miners had survived the August 5th cave-in. But the end is not near for anyone involved. Due to safety concerns, it could take several months before they are removed from the deep underground mine.
Water will be sent, and liquid nutrients will follow once they are certain that the miners are well enough to tolerate them. Psychological help will also be given throughout this ordeal. Experts agree that they will need something to divert their attention as they sit and wait to be rescued. It will be a long wait and the excitement over this initial contact will fade.
(Image by jikatu via Flickr)
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