Deep rescue

The attempt to rescue 33 trapped miners in Chile is an unprecedented undertaking.

It will take months to drill through solid rock from the floor of the Atacama Desert down 2,200 feet to the San Jose Mine where the men wait. First a pilot hole must be drilled. Then a larger bit must be fitted onto the 31-ton drill so that a rescue chimney can be created — about 26 inches wide.

Once that is done, the men must be pulled up one at a time inside a cage. Each trip will take three hours.

Just getting to the men is expected to take until the end of the year. Keeping the drill bit or bits from snapping or getting stuck will be a chore in itself.

But a Canadian expert, Alex Gryska, told the Associated Press he is sure that Chile's state-run Codelco mining company will be able to drill the hole.

Yet four months is a long time, and the miners will need to help themselves in the rescue. They will need to remove 3,000 tons of rock that will fall into the area where they are trapped. The plan is for them to work in shifts continuously to remove the rocks with wheelbarrows and industrial sweepers.

The mental state of the miners concerns the rescuers. The miners will need to work steadily in hot, humid conditions. They receive supplies and ventilation through three holes about 4 inches in diameter.

Anyway one looks at it, this is an incredible challenge for survival. Dave Feickert, a mine safety consultant from New Zealand, said: "They're facing the most unusual rescue that has ever been dealt with."

The hopes and prayers of many people worldwide go out to the trapped miners and their families.