Relive the moments: 33 Chilean miners rescued alive 5 years ago
After being trapped under ground for months, a dramatic rescue mission unfolded live on TV sets across the globe: 33 miners were pulled from the Earth alive and reunited with their families, 69 days after they were trapped.
Tuesday marks the five-year anniversary of the historic Chilean mine rescue operation. A mine collapsed in the Atacama region of northern Chile on Aug. 5, 2010, trapping the miners deep underground. The rescue operation began Oct. 13, 2010, and ended 22 1/2 hours later as a worldwide audience monitored every development. Here is a look back at the emotional events as they unfolded before, during and after the rescue.
Miners must move tons of rocks in own rescue
When a main ramp into the San Jose mine collapsed, the miners were left trapped more than 2,000 feet underground. For 17 days, there was no word from the miners. With only three days worth of emergency food, they were forced to ration what they had and keep spirits up amid the growing hopelessness deep below the ground. Once emergency officials were finally able to communicate with the trapped miners, they relayed instructions on how they had to aid their own escape.
First trapped miner's freedom turns worry into joy
After being trapped for 69 days, the first of the miners was pulled from the ground through a special capsule while relatives eagerly waited. Hundreds of people gathered to welcome the miners back to the surface in a celebration that was both festive and tense.
Last trapped Chilean miner rescued
The last of the Chilean miners were pulled from beneath the earth almost a full day after the rescue operation began, putting an end to the longest underground entrapment in history. Many of the emerging miners appeared energetic and healthy, one pounding his fist in the air while another knelt down in prayer. An estimated 1 billion people watched this operation from all around the world.
Major adjustment ahead for Chilean miners
After nearly three months of being trapped deep under ground, the Chilean miners had to adjust back to the real world after their humanity was tested under the extreme circumstances. While some reveled in the fame, others had deeper emotional and physical turmoil to overcome.
Trapped miner to run in NYC marathon
Edison Pena, one of the trapped Chilean miners, was known for jogging the tunnels while he and 32 other miners were trapped underground. Pena then carried that strength over to the 26.2 mile course of the New York City marathon.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Trisha Thadani on Twitter: @TrishaThadani