All Chile miners rescued

[Red Squirrel]

I watched part of the end, was a very beautiful thing to see. I can just imagine how they must feel now that they are out of there and with their families and stuff.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/ ... tml?hpt=C1

Copiapo, Chile (CNN) -- By Wednesday evening, rescuers had hoisted to the surface more than two-thirds of the 33 miners trapped in a northern Chile gold and copper mine before an audience that stretched across the world.

After 69 harrowing days, the miners ascended to freedom one by one, hoisted through nearly a half-mile of rock in a rescue mission that began in the numbing chill of a desert night, continued under the searing sun of a cloudless day and stretched into the dusk.

Each time the red, white and blue metal capsule approached the earth's surface, its cargo was heralded by the wail of a siren and applause from relatives and rescuers assembled nearby.

Some of the miners signaled a thumbs-up. Others waved Chilean flags. One led the crowd in a chant for Chile. Some dropped to their knees and prayed. Mostly, though, they embraced their families.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera called the mission "magical." U.S. President Barack Obama called it a "tremendously inspirational story."

Franklin Lobos, the 28th man to make the journey, arrived as dusk was falling and was embraced by his teenage daughter Carolina. "Don't make me cry," the former professional soccer player told her in a comment picked up by a microphone. She then handed him a soccer ball that he kicked around playfully for a moment.

(more in link + lot of videos)

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