Chilean Miners

[waynetta]

My heart goes out to these poor men and their families. They seem so brave and resolute. One question I have is that if they can get all the stuff like TVs and even beds down the hole to them why can't they pull the miners out the same way? Are there any mining engineers on the forum who might be able to answer that?

[SeanMacGabhann]

hmmmm

they have beds down there you say? My understaing is only very miniscule objects have been passed down

Butif you want some mining info

rescue plan

[waynetta]

I heard on the radio that beds were being sent down because these poor men were having to sleep on a concrete floor. Perhaps the 'beds' they describe are just roll matts or something similar?

[Jeremy]

Yep, I think we're talking about rolled-up camping mats.

I've not heard anything about TVs either... but I guess they might have been able to get ultra-small TVs through the bore hole.

[waynetta]

It was touching when they all sang the national anthem. I don't know if it was sheer patriotism or simply a show of courage and stoicism? Or maybe it was both. God bless them. I pray they all come out of there alive.

[KidKruger]

Yeah I think the term 'bed' was being used most generously, it certainly wasn't 33x double divans with matching headboards and footboards. Just basic roll mats to insulate the miners from the ground when they're sleeping.

It'll be a terrific day to see these chaps bank upstairs in time for Christmas.

[oilworker]

Yes and if they're on an hourly rate - think of all that lovely lolly!!!!

[Jah Lush]

I heard last week that Gary Glitter was on his way to Chile, apparently when he'd heard that there were 33 trapped and helpless minors the temptation was just too much to ignore.

[Bluerevolution]

oilworker Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Yes and if they're on an hourly rate - think of

> all that lovely lolly!!!!

They aren't likely to get any pay.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7973854/Chilean-miners-families-go-hungry-amid-pay-freeze.html

[oilworker]

......and they're singing the national anthem?

[woofmarkthedog]

I'd bet my ass...

There's a movie deal being knocked about as we speak

W**F

[waynetta]

Could you imagine being trapped in a place like that with a bunch of people from this forum? All that hand wringing about hospital letters, parking issues, streetlamp problems, bouncers in pubs etc etc. They'd have to send down the men with the white coats when they finished the tunnel because I think I'd go completely insane.

[Jah Lush]

It could be worse. You could be shackled next to Terry Waite for six months.

[waynetta]

Though I doubt anyone could put up with my incessant Top Tips if they were stuck down a mine with me.

Though this one may be useful for them:

Wear a Miner's helmet in bed. Not only does it provide emergency lighting in the event of a power failure, but it also protects against unexpected falls of plaster from the ceiling.

[waynetta]

They had their first hot meal today. Meatballs and rice. I bet it was the nicest they have ever had.

[Michael Palaeologus]

The beds were from IKEA, passed down bit by bit and then followed by an allen key.

The meatballs were also IKEA.

They get everywhere.

[waynetta]

I hope they're able to read the instructions. There's bound to be a screw missing.

[????]

Want to get in the papers? Sellotape a torch to your kids Bob the Builder hat and pop out of the roadworks on Lordship Lane speaking with a Cod South American accent

[waynetta]

There was a setback last night in the drilling. Apparently the large drill hit unstable earth.

God help those poor men.

[woofmarkthedog]

I bet they play...

"Miners in a hell hole Big brother"

"Oh whose up for evection..?"

No ?

Maybe not but wasn't there a town in America where the mine collapsed, it drew so much attention that business boomed locally. Later the local sheriffs were accused of taking longer than necessary to rescue them so as keep the drama going & the cash rolling on

( or have I been watching to much crappy saturday afternoon t.v )

W**F

[waynetta]

I normally don't take too much seriously in life if I can help it, but this story has really moved me. I cried when I saw those men singing the national anthem in their tomb. :(

[Michael Palaeologus]

"In their tomb" - The arent dead yet! Poor sods, lets not write them off.

[Jeremy]

I have a feeling they're going to be OK.

They have food, water, and medicines. They have contact with the outside world - they can talk with their families and they know that rescue efforts are underway. There are doctors and psychological experts on the surface trying to make their conditions as tolerable as possible, and trying to establish a routine for the miners.

[waynetta]

Hope so Jeremy

[????]

Have they a Diary Room?