Chilean Miner Rescue Underway

[wilco64256]

This is pretty much the coolest thing on the planet right now - after 69 days being trapped in that mine, the first of those 33 miners has been brought back up to the surface.  The lift they're using to pull miners up through the 2000 foot shaft is called the Phoenix.  Each round takes about a full hour for the lift to go down, pick up a miner, and return to the surface.  It seems they intend to continue pulling miners out every hour as long as the weather permits until they're all out.  Live coverage is available here (along with something like 2000 other places):

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39632101#39632101

[KatieHal]

My roommate was telling me earlier they were going to start bringing them out at last tonight. That's just so great to hear. And the video of the first miner coming out and being reunited with his wife and sons is just heartbreaking.

[Enchantermon]

Great news indeed. I saw this on CNN about an hour ago as they pulled the first miner out.

I just cannot imagine being trapped in an enclosed space with absolute darkness for over two months. I have very, very mild claustrophobia (I would have to be pretty much restricted in almost all movement for it to kick in), but I can imagine it becoming much, much worse after a few days. *shudder* I hope they're all okay.

[snabbott]

Very exciting!

[crayauchtin]

History in the making guys! This is probably the most well executed, best miner rescue ever! As far as I've been told, all of the miners are completely fine (albeit probably a little bit traumatized and quite possibly looking for new jobs after this? U know I would be! )

[wilco64256]

They're up to 13 now and everything is still running smoothly, simply amazing!  American mining companies have a lot to learn from how this has been executed in Chile.  Typically these types of problems end in total disaster for the miners and often rescue workers attempting to go into the mines as well.

[Haids1987]

I'm watching the news right now and bawling my eyes out.   So amazing!  Thank You, Lord!

[wilco64256]

Only one more miner to rescue, then I believe there are two medical personnel who went down last night to help the miners into the capsule and check them out a bit, and that will be everybody!

[Haids1987]

It's so incredible.  There were angels wrapping their arms around those men for sure.

[wilco64256]

Actually on the camera it appears that there are at least five more men down in the mine, so a few other medical personnel to bring back up still too.

[kindofdoon]

It's an amazing story. Hats off the the rescue workers that pulled it off.

[snabbott]

And to the miners who held out so long! And to the miners' families!

[kindofdoon]

Yes, it's truly incredible. It must take incredible stoicism to endure so much time in anguish.