Chileans rejoiced on Sunday when it was reported that the miners trapped for 17 days inside a collapsed copper mine were all still alive.
In fact, the miners managed to attach a message to the end of the probe that rescuers drilled some 2,257 feet into this mine. Their message read:
Estamos Bien En El Refugio los 33 [All 33 of us are well inside the shelter].
(London Guardian, August 23, 2010)
Unfortunately, this rejoicing was rudely interrupted when relatives – who sat in vigil all those days – received the damoclean word that rescuers would not be able to reach their loved ones until around Christmas. That’s four months from now.
No doubt, if any of the miners is still alive then, this would make for one hellava Christmas present. But I have to think that despairing hope is now palpable among all concerned. Not to mention the fatalism that could take over the minds of the miners once they realize that they’re going to be cooped up in that dank and unsanitary space for months.
Remember how fatalistic Americans became as BP struggled for three months to plug that exploded oil well in the Gulf Coast? There were even reports of fishermen committing suicide….
This is not to say all hope is lost. Because reports are that the miners have access to a fresh water canal and rescuers can now supply them with food and medicine (as well as cards and dominoes) via this six-inch probe that is now serving as an umbilical cord. The primary question is will they have enough oxygen and is the mine now sturdy enough to avoid further collapse from the tremors rescue efforts are bound to cause?
Meanwhile, help is pouring in from around the world. Indeed, one would think that BP engineers could offer some unique expertise.
My thoughts and prayers are with the miners and their families. Good luck to the rescuers.
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