October 13th, 2010
01:15 PM ET

Midway through Chile rescue: 17 miners reach freedom

Editor's note: CNN.com is streaming live from beginning to end the rescue attempts at a Chilean mine where 33 men have been trapped since August 5.  Also, watch live coverage on CNN TV. Click here for full coverage of the Chile mine disaster.

Follow our minute-by-minute updates on the second half of the Chile mine rescues here.

[Updated at 1:13 p.m. ET, 2:13 p.m. Chile time] The capsule has been sent back down the rescue chamber and Esteban Rojas is expected to be the next man lifted out of the mine.

Chile's mining minister Laurence Golborne briefs the press midway through the rescue efforts.

[Updated at 12:54 p.m. ET, 1:54 p.m. Chile time] Chile's mining minister Laurence Golborne said they have to do some maintenance on the door because of wear and tear from sending it up and down - but there are no major problems with the rescue capsule.

"It is difficult to open and close but it is still working," he said, adding that he expects the capsule to be sent down for the next miner shortly.

Golborne praised all of the work that had been done so far to rescue the seventeen miners - faster than anticipated.

"We are already half way through," he said. "We haven't had any single incident within this rescue process."

Golborne said that there are five rescue workers currently down in the mine - and one more will be sent down in the next few hours. They will decide who that will be soon, he said.

He added he hoped the entire rescue mission would be completed by the end of the day. The plan is for the rest of the miners to be brought up one-by-one, followed by the rescue workers. The sixth worker, who hasn't yet been sent down, will be the final one to be brought up, Golborne said.

"Up until now we feel really satisfied with the teamwork," Golborne said.

Still, Golborne said, "We won't be fully satisfied" everyone is rescued.

[Updated at 12:43 p.m. ET, 1:43 p.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule is still sitting above ground and hasn't been sent back down the chamber for the next miner, but we haven't heard if there's an official reason as to why.

We can see rescue workers and engineers fiddling with the door to the chamber, having someone go inside, and working on closing it. It is unclear if there has been any problem, or if it is just time for some scheduled maintenance to reinforce the door.  Either way, this turnaround has taken a bit longer than earlier.

Omar Reygadas knelt in prayer with his brother after being rescued.

[Updated at 12:39 p.m. ET, 1:39 p.m. Chile time] Omar Reygadas exited the rescue capsule with a wide smile to the tune of cheers from rescue workers and his brother and family.

He was donning a blue hard hat with the word "Vive," meaning "live," scribbled on it.

Reygadas then knelt to the ground and prayed as he raised a bible in hand towards the sky. As he was being taken away on a  stretcher for medical examination he raised and waved a flag with his name on it.

[Updated at 12:37 p.m. ET, 1:37 p.m. Chile time] 56-year-old Omar Reygadas has emerged as the seventeenth miner to be rescued from the Chilean mine.

As Reygadas made the ascent in the rescue chamber his brother stood nearby videotaping the efforts and messages of praise and congratulations from rescue workers.

Reygadas was originally a bulldozer operator, but following the mine collapse he has taken on duties as the foreman of one of the work shifts.

During his time trapped underground his children have kept a journal of their life above ground - something we're sure he's likely to want to read as he catches up and reunites with his family after more than two months.

[Updated at 12:10 p.m. ET, 1:10 p.m. Chile time] President Barack Obama watched television news coverage of the operation to rescue miners in Chile on Tuesday night and saw it as a "tremendously inspirational story," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

[Updated at 11:57 a.m. ET, 12:57 p.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has been sent back down to the mine. 56-year-old Omar Reygadas is expected to be the next miner to make his journey to freedom.

[Updated at 11:52 a.m. ET, 12:52 p.m. Chile time] We are about at the midpoint of the rescues in Chile. So far sixteen miners have been rescued and 17 remain underground awaiting their ride up to freedom along with a few rescue workers who will exit last.

If you're just catching up, or want to take a look back, here are some of the highlights of what's transpired during the rescues and the miners' reactions from the first 13 hours and 30 minutes of the rescue.

[Updated at 11:50 a.m. ET, 12:50 p.m. Chile time] After exiting the rescue capsule Daniel Herrera and workers erupted into a Chile chant. He then went directly to hug and kiss his mother Alicia Campos.

He cried as workers clapped for him as he was escorted to be checked out by doctors.

Daniel Herrera hugs his mother Alicia Campos.

[Updated at 11:48 a.m. ET, 12:48 p.m. Chile time] Daniel Herrera, 27, is the sixteenth miner to be rescued from the underground mine near San Jose.

His mother, Alicia Campos, had been hugging rescue workers as she waited for her son to make the long trip. She wiped tears from behind her sunglasses and clapped as the rescue chamber came up from underground.

Herrera started his work as a truck driver, but is now acting as a paramedic assistant, taking on some medical duties in the mine since the collapse.

[Updated at 11:12 a.m. ET, 12:12 a.m. Chile time] It appears another rescue worker has been sent down in the rescue chamber. Unless a different rescue worker will be swapped out, the next person expected to make the journey up is 27-year-old Daniel Herrera.

Victor Segovia embraces a family member after exiting the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 11:02 a.m. ET, 12:02 a.m. Chile time] Victor Segovia has emerged from the underground mine as the fifteenth man to be rescued.

Segovia gave a thumbs up and hugged a family member before repeatedly saying thank you to Chile's president for their determination to help rescue them.

"Congratulations and may God be with you," Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said.

Segovia then hugged and said thank you to Bolivia's president and walked around to thank all of the rescue workers.

The 48-year-old, who has been dubbed the "writer" of the group,  kept a journal of his experiences while trapped in the mine for more than two months. Those updates, and separate notes, helped let rescuers above ground stay informed about the surroundings in the mine and the miners conditions - both physically and emotionally.

He has five children and has worked as a miner since before he was 18.

[Updated at 10:55 a.m. ET, 11:50 a.m. Chile time] Family reunions are continuing to happen for the already-rescued miners. Video inside a building where the families are waiting to meet the miners shows several family members in tears embracing their loved ones - some shaking their heads and holding on so tight as if they won't ever let go again.

[Updated at 10:48 a.m. ET, 11:48 a.m. Chile time] Victor Segovia is headed into the rescue capsule. This will be what the view looks like for him on the way up:

[Updated at 10:40 a.m. ET, 11:40 a.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule is now being sent down to retrieve the fifteenth miner - expected to be Victor Segovia.

An emotional Victor Zamora hugs Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

[Updated at 10:36 a.m. ET, 11:36 a.m. Chile time] Victor Zamora emerged from the capsule to cheers from the crowd. His wife continued to wipe tears from her face as he was unhooked from the harnesses.

He then kissed his wife and hugged her for a lengthy time, holding on tight and rubbing her back and hair. Zamora then blew a kiss to the crowd before being taken for medical evaluation.

While he was on the stretcher he reached up to hug Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, who grasped his hand and offered him words of hope, telling him he could now go back and enjoy life with his family. Zamora, his lip quivering as he spoke to the president, wiped tears from his face over his sunglasses. Bolivian President Evo Morales offered the same thanks and congratulations.

Victor Zamora hugs his wife after being rescued.

[Updated at 10:28 a.m. ET, 11:28 a.m. Chile time] Victor Zamora, the fourteenth miner, has just emerged from the rescue capsule.

Jessica Cortez, his wife, and their child stood nearby tearful, but with wide smiles on their face as they waited for him to emerge. A rescue worker reached down and swapped hard hats with Zamora's son as he was being pulled to the surface.

Cortez put her hand over her mouth and tears began to stream down her face at the sight of her husband.

Zamora followed after his close friend Carlos Barrios who was rescued about 40 minutes ago. Zamora, 33, is a carrier pigeon handler and poet. Zamora didn't spend too much time regularly inside the mine, working mostly as a vehicle mechanic.

He and his wife Jessica Cortez are expecting a daughter in a few months and they now plan to name the baby Paz Victoria, meaning Peace Victory, if it is a girl. He and his wife moved to the mine after he lost his job when an earthquake in Talcahuano destroyed the area.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, left, and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera tell the media about their interactions with the miners.

[Updated at 10:18 a.m. ET, 11:18 a.m. Chile time] Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said each rescue is taking about 40 minutes and they are able to rescue about three miners every two hours. That means, Pinera said, if no other problems come up the rescues could end in about seven or eight hours - much earlier than anticipated.

Pinera said he has taken the time and spoken to each of the already-rescued miners

"They told us the first five days were really anxious-ridden, they didn't know what was happening on the surface," Pinera said. "But when they heard the drilling, they realized the country had not abandoned them."

Pinera said the miners told him that noise alone gave them a sense of release - and when contact was made for the first time, the miners knew for sure the country was behind them.

He added that many relayed the experience of being stuck underground had changed all of their lives and for many it gave "a new meaning to their life."

[Updated at 10:11 a.m. ET, 11:11 a.m. Chile time] Bolivian President Evo Morales and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera are holding a press conference near the site of the mine.

Morales said he hopes to return to his country with rescued Bolivian miner Carlos Mamani, depending on his condition.

"Bolivians will never forget" the accident and rescue, Morales said, thanking Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

"This incident is uniting us more and more every day," Morales said.

One of the rescued Chilean miners told Morales upon seeing him, "We took care of (Mamani)," the president recounted.

Pinera said the rescues were a symbol that life had triumphed over fear and death.

"I am more convinced than ever that the greatest wealth of our country is not copper - but our miners," Pinera said.

"You never surrendered, you never gave up, and today we are harvesting the results," he said. "I know last night there were tears in every household in Chile, tears of joy."

Pinera praised the miners for showing the country how to endure and thanked the rescue workers for "carrying out a rescue that seemed impossible."

"Today october 13, 2010 - 33 has become a magic number," Pinera said.

[Updated at 9:57 a.m. ET, 10:57 a.m. Chile time] Next up for rescue: Victor Zamora. He follows the rescue of his friend Carlos Barrios. The pair have worked in several mines together before and their families have shared a tent at the Camp Hope site.

Workers are now preparing to send the capsule back down to get Zamora.

Carlos Barrios, like the other miners, is taken on a stretcher to have a medical evaluation.

[Updated at 9:52 a.m. ET, 10:52 a.m. Chile time] Carlos Barrios has just emerged from the mine in the rescue capsule, making him the thirteenth of 33 miners to be rescued.

Family members clapped and cheered in the direction of the capsule as they waited for him to exit.

Barrios waved to the crowd and then hugged and kissed waiting family members.

Barrios, 27, began mining only 10 months ago.  He has a 5-year-old son and is an avid fanatic soccer fan and player.

[Updated at 9:42 a.m. ET, 10:42 a.m. Chile time] CNN's Patrick Oppmann reports the miners will occupy the 2nd and 4th floors of the Copiapó Regional Hospital.

Neighborhood residents walked around the quiet streets looking at the phalanx of media that had invaded the area around the hospital.

A Spanish cameraman wandered from media outlet to media outlet trying to get someone to lend him a camera. His cam had stayed behind at the mine last night after officials shut the one road in and out of the mine. Any car lights on the road, the rescue officials said, could counter the helicopter pilots night vision goggles as they ferried the miners to the waiting doctors.

[Updated at 9:39 a.m. ET, 10:39 a.m. Chile time] As workers prepared to rescue Barrios, his family members saw him on a screen enter the capsule and began clapping at the thought that it will only be mere minutes before they can see him. The other miners and rescue workers also cheered him on as the capsule went up towards the surface.

[Updated at 9:19 a.m. ET, 10:19 a.m. Chile time] The rescue chamber is being sent back down to the mine - this time with another rescue worker inside. Carlos Barrios, the foreman, is the next miner expected to be brought to the surface.

Edison Peña hugs his wife after being rescued from the mine.

[Updated at 9:13 a.m. ET, 10:13 a.m. Chile time] Edison Peña waved to the crowd as he walked out of the rescue chamber.

"Thank God we're alive," he said as he became the 12th miner to reach the surface. "I know now why we're alive."

"Please take a picture, please," he said, as he greeted his wife for the first time.

[Updated at 9:10 a.m. ET, 10:10 a.m. Chile time] The 12th miner, Edison Peña, has reached the top of the rescue chamber.

Peña, 34, also sent a request for music while he was down in the mine because of his love for music - especially Elvis. While trapped underground he led the group of 33 miners in sing-a-longs. He has reportedly also been running 10km a day underground in the available space.

Angelica Alvarez, his wife, stood by with a video camera in hand, pointed at the area where her husband would arrive after more than two months underground. She cried and clasped her hands as the capsule reached the surface.

A video image shows the chamber that miners inside the rescue capsule goes through during the rescue.

[Updated at 8:54 a.m. ET, 9:54 a.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has reached the bottom of the mine and Edison Peña is expected to be miner number 12 to be lifted to the surface.

[Updated at 8:35 a.m. ET, 9:35 a.m. Chile time] A bearded Jorge Galleguillos came out of the chamber to a chant of  "sing galleta" - a play on his last name and a reference to his request to sing and play the guitar when he was trapped in the mine.

After exiting the chamber he met one of his brothers, who he shared a long hug with. His brother held tight - and continued patting him on the back.

He then hugged both of the presidents of Chile and Bolivia and rescuers who were there awaiting his arrival. A Bolivian miner trapped inside the mine, Carlos Mamani, was rescued in the early morning.

[Updated at 8:28 a.m. ET, 9:28 a.m. Chile time] The eleventh miner, Jorge Galleguillos, has reached the top of the chamber and been rescued.

Galleguillos, who has been working in mining for 16 years, has had two previous work related accidents. But his family portrayed him as a man who loves mining - and regularly collects stones, minerals and rocks from the areas where he works. He had said in a previous video message that he was not feeling well in the mine, and he is on medication for hypertension.

Down in the mine, he was known as the "folklore guy," and had even requested a guitar be sent down to him. The mining minister wrote back, saying unfortunately they couldn't fit a guitar, but sent down music so he could listen and sing along to lift his spirits, as well as those of the other miners. Galleguillos, who is married and has several children, was also one of the miners concerned about his kids' schooling being impacted. The mining ministers, in response, set up a schooling area at Camp Hope.

[Updated at 8:25 a.m. ET, 9:25 a.m. Chile time] Galleguillos' family is clapping as they watch a TV monitor bring him from the rescue chamber.

The family said like others, they have become a part of a new large family, and will wait at the site until all miners have been rescued.

"One for all and all for one," one of the Galleguillos brothers said.

"We want to tell him how much we love him," his brother said, adding that their mother couldn't come because she was overwhelmed with emotion.

[Updated at 8:26 a.m. ET, 9:26 a.m. Chile time] Bolivian President Evo Morales is now at the site waiting for the arrival of Jorge Galleguillos with Chilean President Miguel Piñera.

[Updated at 8:19 a.m. ET, 9:19 a.m. Chile time] Chilean President Miguel Piñera has returned to the site of the rescues after resting for a short time.

Additionally, reporters on the ground and video shows as more rescues are going on, the time between the rescues is decreasing - perhaps a sign the workers are gaining more experience with the procedure and have gotten into a careful, but fluid rhythm.

[Updated at 8:14 a.m. ET, 9:14 a.m. Chile time] Jorge Galleguillos, the eleventh miner, has entered the rescue capsule and is preparing to begin his ascent through the rescue chamber.

[Updated at 8:00 a.m. ET, 9:00 a.m. Chile time] CNN's Sean O'Key reports that it is quiet at the hospital in Copiapo where miners are being brought for treatment. More police showed up in last half hour, but otherwise the scene is very calm - a stark contrast to the atmosphere last night.

[Updated at 7:57 a.m. ET, 8:57 a.m. Chile time] Workers have sent the rescue capsule down to retrieve the eleventh miner - expected to be Jorge Galleguillos.

Alex Vega gives a thumbs up after being rescued from the mine.

[Updated at 7:52 a.m. ET, 8:52 a.m. Chile time] Alex Vega, looking in high spirits, gave a thumbs up and crossed himself in prayer as he exited the rescue capsule.

He then took off his hard hat and kissed his wife and held her tightly as rescuers cheered in the background. Both cried as they held each other for the first time in more than two months. As he was put on a stretcher and into the required triage, his wife tightly grabbed his hand, and gave him her camera which he held up to videotape the crowd and workers watching. His wife wiped tears from her eyes as he was led away.

[Updated at 7:50 a.m. ET, 8:50 a.m. Chile time] The tenth miner has reached the top of the rescue chamber and been rescued. Alex Vega, 31, is a heavy machinery mechanic. He was doing repair work on a truck when the mine collapsed. Alex Vega's  father is also a mining veteran.

He suffers from hypertension and kidney problems, officials said, and he will likely require medical attention when he gets to the hospital.

Vega got into mining because he wanted to earn more money to leave his parents' home to buy a house for his family. However, his wife Jessica Salgado says that while her husband is a bit stubborn, she's going to forbid him from ever working in a mine again.

[Updated at 7:33  a.m. ET, 8:33 a.m. Chile time] Alex Vega's brother said after a night of waiting and holding a vigil at Camp Hope he cannot wait to see his brother.

"Yes we're very excited," Jonathan Vega told reporters. "It is our turn and we are praying at all 36, with the rescuers, will come up. We are a big family - we are 33 families that have come together now. We are waiting for all of them."

Jonathan Vega and his family have been singing in anticipation of his arrival.

"In the beginning the wanted to bring him up last but he's having some back aches so he's very anxious," he said. "And that's why they are bringing him up now."

His wife, Jessica Salgado, smiled nervously and put her hands in her jacket pocket as she hugged rescue workers and waited for her husband to come out of the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 7:11  a.m. ET, 8:11 a.m. Chile time] The rescue capsule has been sent down to retrieve the tenth miner.

[Updated at 7:03  a.m. ET, 8:03 a.m. Chile time] Workers are checking the rescue capsule before sending it down to retrieve Alex Vega - who is expected to be the tenth miner that will be brought to the surface.

Mario Gomez kneels down to pray after being rescued and taken out of the rescue capsule.

[Updated at 7:03  a.m. ET, 8:03 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez' wife rubbed her hands and clasped them together in anticipation as he was being unloaded from the rescue capsule.

Gómez raised his hands gave two thumb up as he waved the Chilean flag proudly and pointed at his family. He has said he will never step foot in a mine again - a place he has worked since he was 12. His wife Lillane Ramirez has prepared a honeymoon for them as soon as he is ready.

After exchanging in a long embrace with his wife, Gómez dropped to the desert floor on his knees, and prayed with his hands clasped around the Chilean flag. He was then loaded onto a stretcher and covered in a blanket - but he raised his hand with exuberance in triumph as he was carted off.

[Updated at 6:57 a.m. ET, 7:57 a.m. Chile time] A ninth miner has reached the top of the rescue chamber and been rescued. Mario Gómez is the oldest of the group at age 63.

The day of the cave in Gómez, who has been mining since the age of 12, had been getting ready to retire but found himself in the mines to test a new truck. Gómez has lung problems because of his history of mining and also lost a couple of fingers during a previous mining accident.

He is known in the group of 33 as the spiritual one and requested a crucifix and other religious symbols so the men could construct a shrine underground.

[Updated at 6:49 a.m. ET, 7:49 a.m. Chile time] Gómez' wife Lillane Ramirez, stood by the site of the rescue video taping and readying her camera to see her husband.  She held onto the arm of one of the rescuers, nervously joking as she and many of his family members stood by, anxiously waiting to see his face through the rescue tube.

[Updated at 6:35 a.m. ET, 7:35 a.m. Chile time] Gómez, the ninth miner and the oldest trapped underground, has been placed in the rescue tube and is preparing to be pulled to the surface.

[Updated at 6:25 a.m. ET, 7:25 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez, the ninth miner and the oldest trapped underground, has been placed in the rescue tube.

[Updated at 6:15 a.m. ET, 7:15 a.m. Chile time] Mario Gómez, 63, the oldest in the mine, is expected to be the next miner to be rescued from the mine. He would be the ninth member of the group of 33 to be rescued.

As the sun comes up over the mine and Camp Hope miners will be wearing sunglasses.

[Updated at 5:55 a.m. ET, 6:55 a.m. Chile time] Dawn is breaking in Copiapo, Chile and the miners will be facing a change in light as they emerge from the rescue chamber.

All of the miners now will likely be wearing sunglasses so they can adjust after being underground in darkness for more than two months.

So far, eight miners have been rescued, in a little under eight hours.

Continue reading all of the minute-by-minute updates from the rescues of the first eight miners here.

soundoff (1,166 Responses)
  1. LiberalNN

    Glad they're going to make it!

    October 13, 2010 at 7:46 am | Report abuse |
  2. suzanne

    Please let the miners know and their family, Canadian people are cheering for them. My family and myself have kept you in our mind and prayers. We understand you have a adjustment to live threw at this time. Please know, you are not alone, we are still cheering for you. Blessing to the famillies who waited these past few month.
    Suzanne ontario, Canada

    October 13, 2010 at 7:48 am | Report abuse |
  3. Rachel

    amazing!!!!!!

    October 13, 2010 at 7:50 am | Report abuse |
  4. gail wood

    AMSTERDAM.HOLLAND.
    GOOD LUCK AND A LONG LIFE .
    THIS IS THE MOST WONDERFULL RESQUE IN THE WORLD !!!

    October 13, 2010 at 7:50 am | Report abuse |
  5. Ishaq Jatto

    Allah Akkbar! This is Allah ever doing His Great work. He has knowledge of everything that happen. For sustaining the miners since day one and for guiding the team of rescuers on what to do at every point in time, Glory be to Him. For the chilean government, kudos to the president and the first lady. I watch them live at the rescue site partaking in the operation. May the Almighty Allah bless the miners,and everyone for their support and love for these people. Other leaders should emulate the president and Obama, for his goodwill message and support. Allah is Great

    October 13, 2010 at 7:51 am | Report abuse |
    • Nofets

      You call him Allah, I call him God. I believe the He is the same being, no matter what you call him. Amen to that.

      October 13, 2010 at 10:00 am | Report abuse |
    • BELIEVER

      Yes, and I call Him King of Kings, Jesus, the Christ, The Blood of the Lamb...The great I AM, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, My Provider, Jehovah Jirah, ...........

      October 13, 2010 at 10:40 am | Report abuse |
    • McJesus

      My imaginary friend is better than your imaginary friend. My friend saved them. Not yours. Now lets fight over it.

      October 13, 2010 at 11:02 am | Report abuse |
    • ahmad12345

      To Nofets, Believer and McJesus: Allah is the Arabic word for God. He is the same god that Christians and Jews worship. Saying Muslims worship a different god named "Allah" is like saying Spanish-speaking people worship a different god named "Dios", or that Germans worship a different god named "Gott". Get some education before you post nonsense.

      October 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Report abuse |
    • McJesus

      ahmad12345

      The name or label doesn't matter. Allah, God, Zeus, Wotan, Thor, is no more real than Daffy Duck.

      October 13, 2010 at 1:19 pm | Report abuse |
  6. mimi petista

    man,i too want go to hole of mine,33 man,amazing,i will crazy whit him every days

    October 13, 2010 at 7:51 am | Report abuse |
  7. Anne

    Amazing story and spirit of Chileans, congratulations Chile for so excellent job, for the spirit of the miners, the brave Manuel Gonzales, the Minning Minister, the US drillers and everybody involved in this mission, I dropped some tears watching these miners coming out. Great coverage of CNN.
    Our prayers for all miners and rescuers.

    October 13, 2010 at 7:52 am | Report abuse |
  8. fran blanton

    Would CNN please remove their BREAKING NEWS from the bottom of the screen? We can't see the workers at the site????

    October 13, 2010 at 7:53 am | Report abuse |
    • Jbird1

      All the news organizations have gone ticker and banner crazy since that unfortunate day on 9/11. They havent bothered turning them off, or realizing the public craves full tv screens, since!

      October 13, 2010 at 10:52 am | Report abuse |
  9. marcelo

    As a Chilean American I can't be any prouder of our people and the Chilean Government. Viva Chile!

    October 13, 2010 at 7:53 am | Report abuse |
    • Anne

      I am from Peru...really your people is amazing, so brave, strong, high spirit, you have lots to be proud of.

      October 13, 2010 at 8:18 am | Report abuse |
    • Renjith

      Chi Chi Chi.. Ley Ley Ley!!!

      October 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Jam

    http://tinyurl.com/399xoyr
    happens went wrong

    October 13, 2010 at 7:55 am | Report abuse |
  11. Bill

    I was impressed with the president of Chile. There he was shaking hands and hugging, wives, kids, rescuers and trapped miners. He become one of the people. Our presidents when disaster strikes, they are some where but not with the people in pain. Well done Chile.

    October 13, 2010 at 7:57 am | Report abuse |
    • Margarita

      don't be mistaken Bill he is not there to give comfort but for gaining popularity ... it's part of his permanent show. I'm a chilean living in Chile ...

      October 13, 2010 at 9:39 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Lee Gaitan

    Atlanta, Georgia, cheering you on. What a wonderful, wonderful day for all involved, such strength of spirit on the part of the miners, their families and the rescuers. God bless!!

    October 13, 2010 at 7:58 am | Report abuse |
  13. Roza

    What an incredible positive story! Good luck to them all throughout the rescue!

    We all see and appreciate so much comments coming form China on how Chinese authorities neglect mines's safety and generally mistreat Chinese minor workers. I wonder how this story compares the the Kursk submarine tragedy from some years ago, when Russsian submarine crew was not rescued from the nuclear craft. Was rescuing them actually possible? The stunning hardships that were overcome in the Chilean story make one wonder whether sometimes such rescue operations are actually solely dependent on government will and enthusiasm to save heir own people?

    October 13, 2010 at 7:58 am | Report abuse |
  14. Steve

    Your pathetic

    October 13, 2010 at 7:59 am | Report abuse |
  15. marcelo

    C'mon Gary Tuchman don't spoil the rescue. If the Chilean government is being transparent be happy and report it without asking if they would have been as transparent if things would have gone wrong. Save the what if questions for some other time. Today all of us can learn from this wonderful nation, even the U.S. government. Katrina was a disaster and this rescue is going great.

    October 13, 2010 at 7:59 am | Report abuse |
    • Ana

      I agree, Marcelo. The point is they made it transparent in spite of the previous shortcoming; the point is they are doing right by these people. Too many of us have "rencor" i.e. bitterness. We never learn to let go and live and learn in the moment. Let's see it for what it is..and incredible chance for renewal...not only for these strong men but for the entire world.

      October 13, 2010 at 11:20 am | Report abuse |
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