The countdown has begun for the release of 33 Chilean miners trapped 2,300ft in a tunnel since 5 August – everybody’s worst nightmare.
It is hoped that rescuers will reach the trapped men with the next two days, and that they could be free within days.
Just last week, rescuers estimated a late-October pullout from the shelter. Now
President Sebastian Pinera has
changed the expected date to before his October 15 departure for Europe.
I’m not sure if this is being said to boost morale for families of trapped men and public confidence in the rescue operation, but it would be terrific if this was true. It wouldn’t look good if the president went off to Europe while these men continued to languish in their underground tomb. Hopefully. he will be there to witness their dramatic rescue, he will not want to leave his country until he knows they have been freed and are safe and well.
To prepare the miners for freedom, these heroic men are
being coached on public speaking and media relations. The idea is that they will be able to
express their ideas clearly when they are freed and will not get in a flap about microphones and cameras; it is anticipated that 700 journalists from around the world will turn up at the mine to cover the rescue. The whole world will want to hear about it.
I’m afraid I think that whatever coaching these men are given, it will instantly be forgotten once they fill their lungs with fresh air and hold their faces up to the sun, clasping their beloveds hard to their chests. I do not somehow think they will be lost for words, or how to express them, as they respond to the intense media interest.
Will their coaching include telling the press to leave them alone in peace if this is what they want?
Who can have failed to be impressed by brave way these men handled this terrible situation which has gripped us all, how they organised a daily routine which included praying, and supported each other through their darkest days – literally!
Oh I do hope they get out soon – everything crossed!
Yes, everything is crossed here too!
An awful situation for them to be in which I could not even begin the imagine. I really hope they do get them out soon and also that the press afford them the respect they deserve.