All 33 Chilean miners have been brought to the surface in a near impeccable rescue mission by the Chilean government. The miners posed for photographs with Chilean president, Sebastian Pinera, whilst in hospital and still wearing their sunglasses and dressing gowns.
The miners were anticipated to stay 48 hours for observation but many of the miners are in such good health that they have been able to leave early.
First lady, Cecilia Morel said: ‘They are being kept more as a preventative measure than to treat anything.’
The majority of the miners emerged in very good health but some were struggling to sleep, anxious to see relatives now that they are free.
Three miners were given a heroes welcome by neighbours and friends following their release from hospital Thursday evening.
Some of the miners have received treatment for dental and ophthalmic problems. The eldest miner, Mario Gomez, is being treated for pneumonia and the lung disease silicosis. The second man out of the mine, Mario Sepulveda, is also receiving treatment for silicosis.
There are reports that Jimmy Sanchez, the youngest of the group at the age of 19, has been struggling and appears depressed.
‘He spoke very little and didn’t seem to connect,’ said Dr Swett who has been working at the hospital.
All of the miners have suffered a high level of stress and the Chilean government have said that they will provide them with at least six months of psychiatric care.
The miners are considered national heroes and their rescue was celebrated all over the country. The group will now need to decide how to proceed with their future: whether to use their fame to bolster a new career or if they will want to continue their mining careers after such an experience.
One Chilean miner may have been reluctant to leave the mine after it came to light that two women were holding vigil for him in camp hope: his wife and his mistress.
The brave or possibly idiotic miner, Yonni Barrios, asked for both his wife and his mistress to greet him upon reaching the surface.
Barrios has reportedly split his time between the women for the last couple of years and the miner asked teams organising the rescue process to deal with his mistress rather than his wife.
Martina Salinas, his wife of 28 years, came to blows with the mistress, Susana Valenzuela, in the mines dining area. The women had to be pulled apart.
His wife chose to stay away as Barrios left the mine, leaving him to be greeted by his mistress. The woman was clearly in awe at his safe return, cupping his face and giving him a long hug.
Instead his wife watched the rescue on television, pleased that the miners had made it out safely but unconcerned by her husband saying she was ‘over’ Barrios.
She said of his request to have both women greet him ‘He is crazy and cocky to think I would do such a thing. I have a sense of decency.’
