Trapped miners in Chile alive after 17 days

SANTIAGO, Chile — All 33 miners trapped deep underground for 17 days were reached alive today, Chile’s president confirmed, but it could be months before they are rescued.

A probe sent early today near the site of a shelter came back with a handwritten note: “All 33 of us are fine in the shelter.”

“We are overjoyed at the news,” said President Sebastian Pinera, who euphorically waved the message written in red letters at the rescue site.

Rescuers sent a probe early today 2,257 feet deep into the collapsed gold and copper mine and became optimistic when they heard hammering noises.

Mine officials and family had hoped the workers were able to escape to the shelter when the walls collapsed Aug. 5 but had said air and food supplies there were limited.

Rescuers sent eight probes into the mine before reaching the shelter. They said it could take up to four months to get the miners out.

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