Trapped Miners Get Bad News

Chileans learn ordeal will last for months
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 26, 2010 1:20 AM CDT

The 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground now know that it could be Christmas before they can be rescued. Chilean officials, who compare the men's situation to that of astronauts on a long mission, say they decided the miners had to be told the truth, ABC News reports. The 33 men have been trapped in a 600-square-foot shelter since a cave-in early this month.

"You will not be forgotten," Chilean President Sebastian Pinera told the miners by phone. Food and other supplies are being sent to the miners through a 6-inch-wide borehole. Now that the miners know they will be trapped for months to come, they have requested diversions like playing cards and dominoes, along with some wine to celebrate Chile's independence day.
(More Chile stories.)

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