The decision was taken to reinforce the rescue tunnel for Chilean miners following images taken by a camera. The images were studied by eight geologists to assess the strength of the tunnel and its tendency to cave in. The geologists have announced that majority of the 700 ft long tunnel is made of solid stone and the tendency to cave in is relatively less. However, since the tunnel encompasses many turns, the officials are worried that the rescue capsule will get stuck. Almost sixteen metal tubes are being used to reinforce the tunnel.
The rescue officials are working at top pace. If the plan goes smoothly, the first miner should be rescued by early Wednesday morning. The officials plan on double checking all the systems in place before the actual rescue begins, in order to avoid any setbacks during the procedure. The rescue crew has been in constant touch with the miners. They have asked the miners to decide amongst themselves as to in what order they will ascend the rescue tunnel. Many of them volunteered to be the last one out in what appeared to be an admirable display of courage. Later, however, the actual reason for being the last one out was listed as an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the miner trapped underground for the longest time.
The work is gaining momentum as the crew dismantles the drilling rig to make a platform designed to support the rescue capsule, Phoenix. Specially trained Chile commandos checked and rechecked the capsule and communications gear to be used by the miners during the rescue.
A temporary village has been erected in the previously empty countryside to house the numerous rescue personnel, reporters and family of the miners. A truckload of special clothing was also brought to the site, so that the miners don’t feel the humidity during the ascend. Once the miners reach the surface, they will be assessed by a team of doctors and psychologists to assess their physical and mental status.
