18 Emotional Photos from the Chilean Miners Rescue

If you're like me, you sat riveted in front of your television for about the last 24 hours. Watching the dramatic rescue of 33 trapped miners was no doubt a worldwide event and one that we'll always remember. We celebrate their return from the depths of earth and we stand in awe at the incredible, coordinated effort by the international rescue team.

The last miner out was shift foreman Luis Urzua who said this immediately after his rescue, "We have done what the entire world was waiting for. We had strength, we had spirit, we wanted to fight, we wanted to fight for our families, and that was the greatest thing."

The Government of Chile has released a good compilation of behind-the-scenes photos as well as up-close shots. Here are some of the most emotionally gripping moments from the unbelievable experience.

First Rescue Specialist is Lowered

Manuel Gonzalez, a rescue specialist from Codelco, will be the first rescuer lowered by the Phoenix 2 rescue capsule into the hole.


Technical Expert Arrives at the Bottom

President Sebastian Piñera and Mining Minister Laurence Golborne shake hands after Roberto Rios, a technical expert arrives at the bottom of the hole where the 33 trapped miners wait for their exit at the San Jose mine near Copiapo, Chile on October 12, 2010.

A Family Waits in Anticipation

President Sebastian Piñera and Minister of Mining Laurence Golborne stand with the family of Florencio Avalos while waiting for the trapped miner to exit inside the Phoenix 2 rescue capsule.

Florencio Avalos Becomes First Miner Rescued

Florencio Avalos, 31, becomes the first miner to exit the Phoenix rescue capsule after an accident trapped 33 miners for 68 days in the San Jose mine near Copiapo, Chile the night of October 12, 2010.

Florencio Avalos' Warm Embrace

Second Miner is Rescued

Mario Sepulveda, 39, is the second miner to leave the San Jose mine with the Phoenix rescue capsule.

Mario's Cheer

Third Miner and Chilean President Embrace

Juan Illanes, 51, hugs President Sebastian Piñera, becoming the third miner to be freed from the San Jose mine.

Sixth Miner Emerges

The sixth miner to emerge from the San Jose mine was Osman Araya, 29.

Oldest, Ninth Miner Collapses

Mario Gomez, 59, is the oldest and the ninth of thirty-three miners being liberated from the collapsed San Jose mine.

Ninth Miner Approaches His Wife

Mario Gomez, 59, is seen here approached by his wife.

Eighteenth Miner's Wife Prays

Esteban Rojas wifes pray for a succesfull rescue end from the San Jose mine.

Twenty-seventh Miner Rescued

Franklin Lobos, 53, becomes the twenty-seventh rescued miner from the San Jose mine.

Final Rescue

Chilean president Sebastian Piñera hugs Luis Urzua, the last miner out of the rescue hole at the San Jose mine near Copiapo, Chile on October 13, 2010.

Chilean President and Last Miner/Chief Supervisor Sing the National Anthem

Chilean president Sebastian Piñera sings the national anthem with chief supervisor Luis Urzua, the last miner out of the rescue hole.

Photo credit: Hugo Infante/Government of Chile.