How were the Chilean miners rescued?
Resupply
With the miners located they were sent food, medical supplies, water and messages from loved ones.
Psychology
After 50 days they entered unknown territory when they broke the record for the longest time spent in a mine. Psychologists and NASA scientists came to the site to advise the miners on how to keep in good mental and physical health. This included regular exercise and keeping themselves busy.
Power of three
The miners had access to a 1km long tunnel. The rescuers planned to build three separate vertical escape shafts along the tunnel, in case one did not work.
Team effort
Plans A and B began on August 30, and involved drilling a pilot hole straight down into the mine before widening the shaft to allow a rescue capsule to be lowered. The miners took shifts to remove the debris that was pushed down into the mine.
Contingency
Plan C used a drill which brought rubble back up to the surface. Although drill A broke through first on October 9, it was plan B that was ultimately successful.
Capsule
With the shaft now stable and wide, a NASA designed capsule could be lowered. The Phoenix II escape pod was just 0.5m wide and 4.2m tall. Its small size allowed it to navigate narrow points and kinks in the shaft.
Technical
In the early hours of 13 October, technical expert Manuel Gonzalez was lowered down in the capsule to run the evacuation procedure underground.
Journey time
The miners stood inside the capsule for 15-20 minutes as it raised them to the surface, traveling at 91cm per second. Retractable wheels on the top and bottom of the capsule aided its journey.
Last minute checks
Each miner had a biometric belt which monitored their vital signs as they were brought up to the surface. They were given sunglasses at the top to protect their eyes from the bright lights after living in darkness for so long, and taken to hospitals for checks.
Free
At 0310 on 14 October Luis Urzua, 54, became the 33rd and last miner to emerge from the mine. The 48 hour rescue operation had been a resounding success, and after 69 days the miners were free.