World watches, holds its breath as last Chilean miner is rescued.
At 9.55pm local time Wednesday night, the last of thirty-three Chilean miners emerged from confinement nearly half-a-mile underground, ending a sixty-nine day ordeal that riveted the world’s attention. Rescue workers completed the “textbook” rescue operation, originally expected to take up to thirty-six hours, in just over twenty-two hours. As they completed their operation, worldwide viewers watched, celebrated, and exhaled, tuning-in via news networks and setting a record for online viewing of a live event.
Celebrity, uncertainty ahead for los trente-tres.
CNN’s Gary Tuckman aptly alluded to scripture, reporting, “On the seventieth day, the miners rested.” None of the men suffered serious, life-threatening injuries or illnesses as they exited the mine, but all of them were hospitalized for physical and psychological testing and observation. One of the minors suffers already-existing “black lung” disease, which will require extended care, and another is reportedly suffering a mild case of pneumonia. After sixty-nine days in darkness, all of the miners’ eyes remain extremely sensitive to light, and Oakley donated their very best sunglasses to protect the men from eye damage.
As each miner emerged from the mine, Chilean president Sebastian Pinera greeted, comforted and spoke with him, expressing admiration, congratulations, and best wishes not only on behalf of an inspired nation but on behalf of people all around the world. Speaking with reporters after the last miner had lifted off for helicopter transport to the hospital, Pinera said he believes Chile is a stronger, more vital nation because the thirty-three miners have galvanized and quickened its spirit.
The miners already have been invited to visit Europe, to sell their stories, and to make celebrity appearances throughout Latin America. A Chilean magnate has agreed to award $10,000 to each of the families, and mining company officials have tentatively agreed to provide for their future well-being. None of the miners intends to return to his old job. Meanwhile, several psychologists have speculated that the shock of celebrity may affect los trente-tres as much as post-traumatic stress disorder, and all agree that their engagement with their own survival and rescue represents a major triumph of the human spirit.
