This is kind of off topic but I thought I would write a quick post about todays rescue of miners in Chilie. At time of writing 6 have been pulled to the surface after months trapped underground.
I think this story has really touched people in many different countries and has been very inspiring. It is heart warming to see how committed the Chilean authorities have been to these people. They seemed to have handled the rescue very professinally from the outset, seeking help from Nasa and Sub Mariners as to how to keep the men “sane”.
It is also interesting to hear how the President has been involved, there are references to his “media saviness”. He has poured significant resources into this effort, and his popularity has soared since the rescue began, and the Chilean Mining Minister is the most popular member of the Chilean cabinet. I guess that is fair enough, they seem to have done a good job and really helped get the men out.
In terms of engineering, getting the drill shafts on target and straight was quite a feat.
There is still a way to go with more miners still to be rescued but hopefully they will all emerge safely.
It is sad to read of the in fighting that has occurred between the families of the trapped men, and I guess some of these guys are going to have trouble adjusting.
It is safe to say that life will never be the same again for these guys, but, I guess they will be very gratefult they are alive at all. It must have been a terrifying experience and they must have been in constant fear for their lives.
It is difficult to imagine what their ordeal was like, but, hopefully it will all be over soon.