Chile's president has said that drilling engineers are "very close" to rescuing the 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped for two months in an underground shaft.
"We are very close to rescuing them, and I hope to be able to rescue them before leaving for Europe" on Oct. 15, Sebastian Pinera told a group of Chilean radio broadcasters Monday. "We are trying to adjust the two schedules," NPR reports.
The men have been trapped 2,300 feet since the mine caved in on August 5. They were found safe and well after 17 days of searching, having survived on meagre rations.
Their fight for survival has drawn messages of support from around the world, including prayers from Pope Benedict and good wishes from World Cup soccer stars, Sky News says.
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