Monday, September 27, 2010

Rescue Capsule 'Phoenix" Arrives at The Mine

One of the rescue capsules has arrived at the Chilean mine according to the following article.The capsule is 21 inches wide and contains tanks of air, a microphone for communications, and equipment to monitor the miner's heart rate and breathing as they are raised to the surface. Both the families and the miners themselves are reminded that their nightmare will eventually end.
    . . . June


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'Phoenix' capsule arrives to rescue Chilean miners
Telegraph:

The first of three rescue capsules, named Phoenix, arrived at the mine on Saturday.

'We have called it Phoenix because I think it will bring about a rebirth of the miners, and a new life for them,' said mining minister Laurence Golborne.

The miners have been trapped 2,257 feet underground since August 5 when the roof of the mine collapsed.
They were discovered alive and well 17 days later, and rescuers have been drilling to reach them since August 31.

Families gathered at Camp Hope, high in the Atacama Desert, applauded and chanted "Viva Chile!" as the six foot high metal cage was unveiled.

"It is what we have all been waiting for," said Elizabeth Segovia, sister of one of the trapped miners.

"Of course we know that there will be difficulties, but now everything will be much easier."

The 420kg capsule, painted in the colours of the Chilean flag, is 21 inches wide and contains tanks of air, a microphone for communications, and equipment to monitor the miner's heart rate and breathing as they are raised to the surface.

Cristina Nunez, wife of trapped miner Claudio Yanez, climbed into the cage and said: "I'm very happy.

Claudio will fit inside perfectly because he's one of the skinnier ones. But all 33 will fit fine. This bring us a step closer to the rescue."

Engineers in charge of drilling to rescue the miners believe that they are likely to be reached in early November.

Read entire article . . .

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