Chilean trapped miners send video footage

The miners, who have now been trapped for nearly three weeks, have adjusted their lives to their new environment, one family member said.

“They are OK and they are in very good spirits. They have even made a domino set,” one woman said.

In the video, the men sent messages to their families, whilst showing how they have arranged the site to accommodate their needs. A projector shows the men playing cards, next to a chest full of clothes, food and medicine which were handed down to the miners through the shaft, the size of a grapefruit.

In the video is also seen the joy of the men once they realised that they were found and started singing the national anthem.

“It takes courage not to leave us abandoned,” one of the miners said. “We know everything you’ve been doing outside.”

“I’d like to say hello to my grandchildren. We are going to be together once again,” another man said.

In the meantime, on the surface of the earth nearly 700m away, family members have camped outside and are waiting anxiously for more news.

Health officials have also voiced concerns about the mental health of the miners. They said that the men can expect a period depression and anguish after the initial euphoria of being found passes.

The men have been told that they will at least be living in the hole for three months without seeing daylight.