Reader comments
Too dangerous? Hopes dwindle as owner says Utah mine may be workers' final tomb
64 comments | Read story
Tab L. Uno | 1:25 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
The first thought that comes to mind is coverup. Are the miner's families
and the American public never to know what actually happened to these six
miners? What happened? Who was responsible? What can do done so that this
terrible tragedy nevers happens again? Why can't a sizeable whole be cut
vertically downwards not horizontal and use the existing mine corridors that
have apparently been able to hold up until now, long enough that a proper
investigation can be conducted, definitive answers provided to the miner's
families and the American public?
Lori Ellen Sims | 2:29 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
GOD be with these people. Let them reach the right decision in there own time in
their own way. Recognize their courage under the onslaught of public scrutiny
and as we would want for ourselves if we should ever be so misassured that we
had no chance for survival, sense an unwavering conviction that we too could
find a way out of a dark and dusty, changing maze, spew expletives non-stop in
front of camera crews, unfettered time in the biggest bath tub available to
mankinds, thick white dry towels, foods flavored to our own taste, and at
precisely the next stroke of 3.9 on the Richter scale - to be as far away as
possible from its epicenter. To presuppose that it is against all odds, that
these miners are soon to be unearthed and again be seated beneath star filled
heavens is as simple as believing that the sun will rise every day. Do not
imagine that there is no sun. I'm not betting against these men. Kerry
Alfred, may be the compass leading them out of the darkness. We need time to
readjust to the fact that the tenacity of 6 people and one long, long tunnel to
the mine's floor may bring emotional closure - WHERE WE LEAST EXPECTED THEM
. Then we can shake our fists in anger, our eyes up toward the heavens,,
shouting "What took you so long?" Faith as small as a mustard seed
still has the power to reach "officials" -- and six people being
presently housed in a sandstone castle not necessary meeting the AAA 5 star
hotel requirements - but never-the-less sufficiently carved by secret streams
intended to show them the way out. Blue spruce. Sego Lilies. Gull. Wapiti.
Maralyn | 7:11 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I want to understand why this job is so dangerous. We have astronauts going out
into space but coal mining is more dangerous. I feel that we all are partly
responsible for these deaths. If it is money needed for research to develop
better protection, let's do it. Why can't we develop some kind of
warning device - a beeper the miners would be required to wear that would give
them adequate time to get out when the earth starts to move. Animals are known
to become uncomfortable before an earthquake. Why? This beeper could also be a
GPS system to locate them in the event of an accident. If we are going to use
coal, we'd better be prepared to protect those who go in after it - and
also pay them for risking their lives. We are a spoiled people.
Comments continue below
RFP | 7:19 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Dale Black was a hero, doing what most coal miners would do to save one another.
Trying every and any method to get to the 6 miners. God bless all that have
given their all and there are many!!!
Anonymous | 7:35 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
....."He expects mining will continue in other areas of the mine, though he
said it will no longer be called the Crandall Canyon Mine."
..call it what you will, but is any part of this mine going to be safe for miners to work?
My thoughts and prayers are with these miners and their families..
..call it what you will, but is any part of this mine going to be safe for miners to work?
My thoughts and prayers are with these miners and their families..
Robert Douglas | 8:08 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Coal mining can never be made completely safe. As long as we burn coal, miners
will die. The Mine Safety and Health Administration reports that 17 coal miners
have died in 2007 after 47 died in 2006. These are terrible numbers but
I'm sure that more truckers died on the highways delivering goods to
American consumers during this period. Are we equally outraged at the owners of
these trucking companies.
I don't know if there was negligence at the Crandall mine. Let's let the process play itself out. It does no good to start pointing fingers and calling names before the facts are in.
I don't know if there was negligence at the Crandall mine. Let's let the process play itself out. It does no good to start pointing fingers and calling names before the facts are in.
Anonymous | 8:18 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I am so sorry for the 6, their families, the rescuers and their families, and
all those of other miners as well.
Hopefully some good comes out of this, increased safety for all miners and so on. Often several tragic crashes have to occur before an intersection is redesigned, or other safety features are put in place. Same thing here.
At least this is America and they are in the news all over the nation everyday. There are trapped miners in another country (Indonesia? can't remember) whose families are angry and frustrated they have not heard or been kept informed as these miners remain trapped, for 2 weeks I believe, due to flooding.
Hopefully some good comes out of this, increased safety for all miners and so on. Often several tragic crashes have to occur before an intersection is redesigned, or other safety features are put in place. Same thing here.
At least this is America and they are in the news all over the nation everyday. There are trapped miners in another country (Indonesia? can't remember) whose families are angry and frustrated they have not heard or been kept informed as these miners remain trapped, for 2 weeks I believe, due to flooding.
KRC | 8:30 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
If those who are so critical think that people can safely go into the mine
cave-in area, give them a pick and shovel and let them go in to rescue or
recover . What good does placing the blame on someone do ? The only people
whowill benefit are the lawyers .
Jamen | 8:59 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Maralyn brings up a point. Although GPS signals would definitely not work
underground, what about beacon technology? Skiers and mountaineers carry
avalanche beacons that automatically send a signal (via some sort of
technology...) to mountain rescues. Why not something similar in the mining
industry?
Think about it. Had Murray Energy known the EXACT location of the six trapped miners say less than 24 hours after the accident, just imagine the consequences...
Think about it. Had Murray Energy known the EXACT location of the six trapped miners say less than 24 hours after the accident, just imagine the consequences...
CB | 9:26 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
To Tab L. Uno: Always blaming someone else; always pointing fingers. Make
someone pay! What happened was they knew the risks, then went into the mine and
it collapsed. People died trying to rescue them. The problem is not with the
mine operators, nor the federal government. The problem is we are willing to
risk the lives of people to get the energy we have become accustomed to. They
are willing to risk their lives to make money.
ash | 9:28 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
i believe that sending a capsule down would be a good choice now; i can
understand the family's wanting closure; this has really hit home; at the
bowling alley my mom works at thursday night after the collapse i watched a
woman grab her things and leave in tears; she had just heard that one of the
three men who died was her uncle; so many have sacrificed already; would it be
fair to use their deaths as a way of stopping all work towards what these 3
hero's were trying to achieve
LAF | 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I totally agree with KRC., do those individuals want to volunteer to go down
into the capsule themselves, we can't risk losing anymore people, the risk
is to great - it is an unfortunate tragedy that has occurred with no happy
outcome.
Cameron | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I'm sure a lot of thought has gone into making coal mining safer, but it is
an inherently dangerous job. People vastly underestimate the power of nature,
and seismic activity doesn't come with a countdown. A beacon would be a
nice idea in principle, but I think you'd find it impossible to emit a
signal through 2000 feet of rock. There are simple practical issues that make it
dangerous. While it's heartbreaking to accept the other miners might not be
found for a while, it's not worth more deaths to try to extract them that
may arise from overeagerness.
Aaron | 9:35 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the fallen miners and rescue
workers. It is uniquely difficult to endure the pain of losing loved ones,
especially in such tragic circumstances. It seems though, that the initial
emotional reactions of some, must be tempered. I would expect that no amount of
explanation or justification will ease the burden that these families must now
bear. I would not presume to suggest that they have no right to question the
efforts of the mine owners or other officials, but I hope that their grief will
not cloud their judgement to such an extent that countless other individuals
will be made to suffer a long, messy litigation process. The demand by family
members that a rescue hole be immediately drilled is desperate, understandably
so, but still desperate. Such a hole would be only slightly more safe than the
original mine tunnel, and only justifiable should other drilling prove the
continued survival of any of the trapped miners. To simply begin drilling into
the unknown for some fleeting hope of closure is costly, and potentialy
deadly.
As indicated by mine officials, the mine areas surrounding these trapped miners will be closed and sealed permanantly. It is a cold reality, but I think a fitting memorial can be created from this tradgedy to celebrate the lives of the original six, as well as those heros who died in the rescue efforts. As for whether or not mine owners are complicit in this tradegy, speculation and finger pointing are not in any way productive at this point. Let us be patient and allow federal mine safety officials to investigate and make an informed determination.
As indicated by mine officials, the mine areas surrounding these trapped miners will be closed and sealed permanantly. It is a cold reality, but I think a fitting memorial can be created from this tradgedy to celebrate the lives of the original six, as well as those heros who died in the rescue efforts. As for whether or not mine owners are complicit in this tradegy, speculation and finger pointing are not in any way productive at this point. Let us be patient and allow federal mine safety officials to investigate and make an informed determination.
Aaron | 9:43 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Maralyn, it's dangerous. Deal with it. If you want to beat yourself up,
go ahead, but I am not responsible for their deaths. Speak for yourself. Three
people already died trying to rescue them. Repercussions will come to Mr.
Murray and those who were so careless in protecting their people. But
don't talk like they don't get paid well. The figure I've heard
is $28 per hour. That is a good living for most people, and every single one of
them knew it was dangerous work. These mine collapses happen two or three times
a decade. If you are ever able to develop a beeper that gives miners enough
time to save themselves, I'm sure the mining companies would be very
interested. That or they could bring a cow down with them.
Susan B | 9:57 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I sincerely hope the right decisions have been made for the trapped miners as
well as the rescue workers who gave their lives. This is very sad. As an
outsider, I believe the trapped miners are probably gone, but if I certainly
understand the families needing to know for sure. It appears there are no good
options at this point. My heart hurts for the victims.
susan miller | 10:01 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I think a hole for the capsule needs to be dug. The men under there deserve to
be searched for!! I wouldn't want them to give up on me or mine. How can
the owner even think of still digging for minerals there?? What a disrespect
for life.
Marnie from Kentucky | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I sorry you are going throught this. I think they should drill the capsule hole
and if the company doesn't want to go in, then why can't a member of
the families that is a coal miner go in they could sign a waver or something not
holding the company resposible for anything that may happen.
Rebecca Franklin from WV | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
5 holes 1 large, hole is that all the grief stricken families want? no they want
the chance to say goodbye, or for those 6 men to know they won't give up
untill they touch their hands again. All the men who tried to rescue them put
their lives in peril, they were brave, they put someone elses pain and suffering
before their own. With all the money available in Utah there should be enough to
give these people closure, I will donate to the fund for the capsule...... Only
if they see someone alive!!!their loved ones are alive!!! nothing but closure
will ease their pain
Shauna Duffy | 10:51 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I have been following this story and am sad and angry that this tragedy was
allowed to happen. These miners deserve to be rescued if they are alive and no
one knows for sure whether that is the case. I am praying that some of them have
survived and can be rescued. The mining company needs to stop talking about
further mining operations in this unstable mountain. No amount of coal is worth
the life of a single human being.
Rebecca Franklin of Wv | 10:55 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
5little holes ????? one big hole why did we waste time??? If we were willing to
risk sending our men back down there , why not risk digging a bigger hole. will
this give these families closure? They want a chance to say goodbye, or for
those 6 men to know they won't give up till they touch their hands again.
can we really put a price on this. These men gave all they had ,can we not do
the same, I Pray that we can be shown a way to do it safely, or a way to expain
it to the families, that no one else has expeience the grief and loss of a
husband, father, son, or brother. I wish you all peace in your hearts, to
...know... the things ...you.. need to know
Eric | 10:59 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I feel badly for the families. Their grief must be unbearable. However, drilling
for a capsule would most likely be fruitless unless there is some evidence of
life. From descriptions of the capsule they are tiny. I doubt anyone would want
to get inside and ride one down in the hopes they would find someone alive. If
the miners are dead a capsule rescue would not be worth it considering the
possible danger to whoever had the guts to ride the thing down.
Bryan | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Why is it such a hard thing to drill holes in the mountain. They should have had
50 drills going this whole time, not just one that takes more time to relocate
than to drill a hole.
Murray has enough money and resources to have a better drilling operation in place and have the mountain dotted in holes the first three days not 5 holes after two weeks.
The families have every right to be upset and so does anyone else who has any comassion for the safety and lives of others.
Everyone in Utah are sick of hearing excuses and lies and empty promises. We all need to stick together and force the government to take better action to get these miners out of the ground.
If they are still alive a six inch hole is not going to do a whole lot to save them. If they have passed on they need a proper burial.
May God be with them and their families.
Murray has enough money and resources to have a better drilling operation in place and have the mountain dotted in holes the first three days not 5 holes after two weeks.
The families have every right to be upset and so does anyone else who has any comassion for the safety and lives of others.
Everyone in Utah are sick of hearing excuses and lies and empty promises. We all need to stick together and force the government to take better action to get these miners out of the ground.
If they are still alive a six inch hole is not going to do a whole lot to save them. If they have passed on they need a proper burial.
May God be with them and their families.
Anonymous | 11:27 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Outside of the risks putting a capsule with a person in it into the mine would
entail, where would they drill the hole to put it down? It is not like the mine
is open from end to end and someone can just be plunked down in the middle of it
to search at this point. People seem to think someone can be lowered down and
walk around at will down there. At best, there are probably pockets of open
area among the cave-ins. Areas are sealed off from each other. Open areas
continue to collapse. They have drilled 4 holes so far, and have seen no signs
of life from any of them. They are working on a fifth hole now. Hopefully,
this one will lead to signs of life and a rescue, but, if not, where are those
advocating for a capsule to be put down proposing it should be lowered?
Richard | 11:48 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I think they are giving up too easily. It looks like Murray is just trying to
protect his profits, not that he's entirely evil or heartless, just more
greedy than anything: he doesn't want to do more to bring them out (dead or
alive), and he wants to keep mining in other parts of the mine, instead of just
closing it completely in honor of the dead.
If he really cared more about the people than his profits, he would do everything to get them out and then modify the mining techniques they use or close the mine entirely.
I feel for these people, but it's the risk of underground mining, and I'm sure they were informed of it beforehand. It would be nice if there were a better way to provide for our energy needs. This underscores the need for more investment in alternative energy research and development.
If he really cared more about the people than his profits, he would do everything to get them out and then modify the mining techniques they use or close the mine entirely.
I feel for these people, but it's the risk of underground mining, and I'm sure they were informed of it beforehand. It would be nice if there were a better way to provide for our energy needs. This underscores the need for more investment in alternative energy research and development.
To Lori Ellen Sims..... | 11:49 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Uhhhhh, What?!?!?
Anonymous | 11:49 a.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Tough decisions. Stop blaming Bob Murray. Nobody wanted this to happen. Do
they continue drilling holes at the expense of other lives being lost, or do
they give up? Those 6 miners are at least 3 miles below the surface,
that's deep. Yes, I do sympathize with the families - they want closure
and rightfully so, but sometimes life throws us curves that no one can
understand - except God.
Anonymous | 12:07 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Why don�t they send down a search and rescue K-9. They
could have a pack with a light on it for the animal to see. That way they could
know for sure if there is life in the mine.
Elaine from Kansas | 12:32 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
My heart goes out to the victims and their families. This is sad indeed for
everyone, but I don't believe it safe to risk anyone else's life.
Tough decisions for those in charge of rescue.
C | 12:34 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
For 91 days - 8 people -3ftx4ft space- starving - - LEFT TO TELL is a story
about a young woman who survived the Rawanda Genocide in 1994 by living for 3
months in small bathroom - 3ftx4ft with 7 other women of all ages, including
children, in a cramped, terrifying and starving state praying for protection
and survival. To keep her mind stable God gave her the inspiration to learn
english. She may have had a flashlight. She is now living in America, worked
(s) at the United Nations, and is married with a family of her own. This is a
true story written by Immaculee Ilibagiza.
Mark B. | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
How about some type of robot? A lot of wiring, to be sure, but could be done.
We can lower a camera, how about one that could be "driven" around
with some type of track system. Drill a bigger hole, and send down something
motorized.
Dave Hansen | 12:55 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Bob Murray speaks lies and truth. First, he continues to insist that the initial
cave in was due to an earth quake but all scientific reports state
"clearly" that the cave in itself caused the tremors and not the other
way around. Obviously Murray wants to blame this whole thing on an act of nature
where the facts are clear that nature had nothing to do with it. I think Murray
wants to wipe away any chance of an investigation where perhaps some unsafe and
possibly even illegal mining techniques were being deployed. Second, Murray is
correct when he says that it is too dangerous to lower some poor soul down 2000
feet in a small capsule to search for the dead. Would anyone volunteer for such
an insane task? Perhaps if you have a death wish but certainly not otherwise.
Even if there was "life" down there if would be an incredible risk to
lower someone down to extract them. I have to say though that if my father or
brother were down there and was found to be alive I would probably volunteer
myself to go down and get them out. What a rotten situation. Nobody wins.
Kyle | 12:55 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
To Tab L. Uno...
Why was your first thought "Coverup"? The "Rescue" mission is all that is ending, the "Investigation" will continue. The investigation will continue until there are answers but it will take time. There will be plenty of time for your paranoia later. Please spare us your unsubstantiated accusations for now.
Why was your first thought "Coverup"? The "Rescue" mission is all that is ending, the "Investigation" will continue. The investigation will continue until there are answers but it will take time. There will be plenty of time for your paranoia later. Please spare us your unsubstantiated accusations for now.
To: Lori Ellen Sims | 1:11 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Wow. All I can say is wow and don't write comments at two in the morning
Yes, they knew what they signed | 1:13 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
on for.
But they ALSO signed on with the expectation that the federal government oversight and the mining company itself would follow the regulatory rules set aside to protect miners.
A miner may make the choice to go down in a mine, in dangerous conditions BUT that *informed* decision is made by knowing the precautions that were (typically) put in place: ie. proper review of mining plans, responsible, educated regulators providing oversight etc.
In this arena, the mining company and government regulators failed these men terribly.
If they'd known how lackadaisical the government had become at protecting their lives, and how ignorant the government administrator in charge was, I doubt most would say, "well, that was a risk I just needed to take."
But they ALSO signed on with the expectation that the federal government oversight and the mining company itself would follow the regulatory rules set aside to protect miners.
A miner may make the choice to go down in a mine, in dangerous conditions BUT that *informed* decision is made by knowing the precautions that were (typically) put in place: ie. proper review of mining plans, responsible, educated regulators providing oversight etc.
In this arena, the mining company and government regulators failed these men terribly.
If they'd known how lackadaisical the government had become at protecting their lives, and how ignorant the government administrator in charge was, I doubt most would say, "well, that was a risk I just needed to take."
bubba | 1:29 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Miners Know The Risk They Take Before They Undertake The Jobs, Of Mining, Of Any
Type And The Familieys Should Also. So Dont Be To Fast To Point Fingers; Untill
All The Facts Are In. I Do Think That All Mines Should Be Inspected At Least
Once A month For Safety,And If Found Unsafe ,Close Down Untill Safe Measures
Have Bin Fofilled To The Maximum
C | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I wonder if the 3rd hole, which was fully intact, is still safe enough to
consider something like that Mark B. suggested - robotic equipment. The blast
may have further weakened the inner structures. And I wonder if the collapses
restructured the working area so much they exposed unused connector tunnels or
something similar - maybe used in the mine's early mining days? Could
there have been a duct of some sort in that vicinity that might have led farther
back into the mine or adjoining mine to a safer higher ground? Maybe they found
a hut or similar - well stocked and some are fine. Would this all be too far
fetched?
JB | 2:22 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
They need to keep drilling holes until they find the men. Putting a capsule down
there is pointless unless you know where to put it. The men deserve to come out
of there dead or alive. It should not be their final resting place but a
temporary one until they are found.
kiajellybean | 2:36 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Yes, miners know the risks they take when they undertake the job. But mining
companies also know the risks they are asking of their miners, and are
responsible for maintaining a safe environment. This mining company has a
responsibility to get these men out, dead or alive, regardless of how much it
costs. If they need to bring in expensive equipment, or spend the money to
stablize the mine, or send in robotics, then that's what they have to do.
If the owners didn't want that responsibility, they shouldn't have
commenced ownership of the mine.
Bonnie | 2:41 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Yes they know the ricks every day of there live when they went to work. As well
as there familys. I hope and pray that there is little or no suffering. I think
how wever its time to give ever one PEACE.
Ant the same time I want them to alive. I pray in the name of Jesus Crist that ever one finds closer.
Ant the same time I want them to alive. I pray in the name of Jesus Crist that ever one finds closer.
Carina Garcia | 2:42 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I think this is good time to review what are we doing with our environment and
how dangerous coal mining is.
As governor Huntsman said we need to find new electricity resources.the one that it's clear and safe and it'doesn't destroy our environment. we shoud also have to realize every time we spend electricity how many lives are sacrificed for this confort.I also think that Murray company has to continue working until the boys are with their families, even if they died.Keep praying and believe that miracles happend.God bless this 6 miners and all miners around the world.
As governor Huntsman said we need to find new electricity resources.the one that it's clear and safe and it'doesn't destroy our environment. we shoud also have to realize every time we spend electricity how many lives are sacrificed for this confort.I also think that Murray company has to continue working until the boys are with their families, even if they died.Keep praying and believe that miracles happend.God bless this 6 miners and all miners around the world.
Anonymous | 2:44 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I understand the families want closure however would they want to be the ones to
notify other families that their loved ones had died due to their lack of
understanding. This situation was made worse by murray energy trying to get to
the miners as fast as they could and not taking precautions they probably should
have for the rescuers now murray energy and msha are trying to figure out the
best safest way to search for the six trapped miners and rushing into it would
not be a wise decision. In the future they should put into place evacuation
plans for these mines every other workplace in america has them why not the
mines this would give them a more definitive place to search for survivors
Interloper | 2:46 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I know that people who rush to defend the wealthy and powerful often do so out
of a sense of awe or fear, but I still find it troublesome. Making excuses for
Robert Murray should be the last thing on any thoughtful person's mind.
He and his partners have the money and political clout to guarantee they will
come out of this just fine. It is the survivors and their families who will
suffer, probably with only workers' comp payments and small social security
benefits -- if they are U.S. citizens.
I must most strongly disagree with the the person who claimed 'only the lawyers' will benefit if reforms of mining are actually enforced. To the contrary, miners and consumers will reap the benefits of coal energy that is more environmentally safe and less dangerous to extract. We all win, though the mine owners would rather inflate profits than comply.
Last, but not least, coal mining was politicized long before this event occurred, with donations to the GOP effecting policy and nominations to MSHA. What the Crandall Canyon tragedies have done is bring that fact out into the open.
I must most strongly disagree with the the person who claimed 'only the lawyers' will benefit if reforms of mining are actually enforced. To the contrary, miners and consumers will reap the benefits of coal energy that is more environmentally safe and less dangerous to extract. We all win, though the mine owners would rather inflate profits than comply.
Last, but not least, coal mining was politicized long before this event occurred, with donations to the GOP effecting policy and nominations to MSHA. What the Crandall Canyon tragedies have done is bring that fact out into the open.
Heart Break | 2:47 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
My heart breaks for the families of the missing miners and the hero rescuers who
sacrificed their lives looking for their friends.
Whether the trapped miners are alive or not, God only knows. The right questions are being asked. What can be done? Speculating on whether underground mining is worth the risk doesn't help the families or the miners.
The decision whether a rescue or recovery will occur should be left to MSHA and the families. Drilling a hole for the capule is risky from several perspectives. Will they be luck enough to end the shaft in a location that gives access to livable space? Will the air quality support life? What do they do once the hole is in? Send one person or a team? How do they communicate with them?
Nothing works underground except hard wired communication. Do the contingency plans and equipment exist to attempt such a rescue? It is much like a catestrophy, they are so close, only a few miles, but it just as well be a million miles awat if we don't have the tools to perform the search and recovery.
Whether the trapped miners are alive or not, God only knows. The right questions are being asked. What can be done? Speculating on whether underground mining is worth the risk doesn't help the families or the miners.
The decision whether a rescue or recovery will occur should be left to MSHA and the families. Drilling a hole for the capule is risky from several perspectives. Will they be luck enough to end the shaft in a location that gives access to livable space? Will the air quality support life? What do they do once the hole is in? Send one person or a team? How do they communicate with them?
Nothing works underground except hard wired communication. Do the contingency plans and equipment exist to attempt such a rescue? It is much like a catestrophy, they are so close, only a few miles, but it just as well be a million miles awat if we don't have the tools to perform the search and recovery.
SLC Reader | 2:57 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
For those of you who are in favor of the rescue capsule, please explain how you
envision it could work. So far they found one cavity with 5' of head room.
So you send someone down there. What then? Since it's likely that the
men are under the rubble, should the rescuer just start digging? What on earth
are y'all thinking? I can't envision what you have in mind. Please
explain.
Dude | 3:01 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Hey Anonymous sending in a rescue k-9 would not work. The last info indicates
that the mines oxygen level is between 7 and 13 percent. Dogs need to breathe
also. Good try though
Condolences | 4:19 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
My condolences to all those affected in this tragedy. I feel for the families
of the miners especially and for those desperately trying to recover the miners.
My only hope is that money, time or equipment is not an issue in recovering the
miners and that whoever is in control of equipment and/or funds are seriously
considering all avenues in recovery. I think any less than this shows
disrespect of the great but dangerous efforts of the miners day after day and
their loving families. If I were in this position this is what I would hope to
expect from those in recovery missions. I am also grateful for those involved
in recovery efforts for their time, dedication and consideration.
Clarissa Johnston | 5:37 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
I cannot sign the petition but if I could I would. With all the great minds of
the World in this country I find it a travesty that we are not there with our
higher technology finding these men. I am ashamed of what little worth has been
put on these men's lives.
Rabbi Gershon | 5:52 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
May the families of these men take comfort from the fact that they were doing
what was expected of them to provide for their families. May these men be
remembered for good for as long as there is a heart that can contain a
memory.
Yitgadal, v'yitkaddash, shamei rabbah.....
Yitgadal, v'yitkaddash, shamei rabbah.....
What little worth? | 6:34 p.m. Aug. 21, 2007
Clarissa Johnston.... Didn't you understand that men have given their lives
to try to get to them, and many others have endangered themselves, including
several of my own loved ones. I don't understand how you can write
"what little worth".
I know that this is unpopular and it's going to upset people, but the first six men need oxygen in order to survive. There is not breathable air in that mine. That is if they survived the first massive, massive collapse/explosion. I say explosion because the sides of the mine explode inward with such an immense crushing force.
I get so upset when people act as if there was not effort put forth, but it gets to the point when you need to decide how many more men are going to have to die in order to bring out the bodies of men who are not alive. Do you think they really want another dozen of their brother miners to be killed retrieving their bodies? It is heartbreaking, but there comes a time when the dying is going to need to stop. I know that it's easy to critisize, but I'm wondering if you realize just what these rescuers have been dealing with.
I know that this is unpopular and it's going to upset people, but the first six men need oxygen in order to survive. There is not breathable air in that mine. That is if they survived the first massive, massive collapse/explosion. I say explosion because the sides of the mine explode inward with such an immense crushing force.
I get so upset when people act as if there was not effort put forth, but it gets to the point when you need to decide how many more men are going to have to die in order to bring out the bodies of men who are not alive. Do you think they really want another dozen of their brother miners to be killed retrieving their bodies? It is heartbreaking, but there comes a time when the dying is going to need to stop. I know that it's easy to critisize, but I'm wondering if you realize just what these rescuers have been dealing with.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- NBA Sunday 10:47 p.m.
- NFL Sunday 10:45 p.m.
- Carbon credits spell new future 10:44 p.m.
- Russia investigates train derailment 10:44 p.m.
- Price's injury still a pain in the foot 10:43 p.m.
- Short in height, tall in talent 10:42 p.m.
- Dubai looks to neighbor for aid 10:42 p.m.
- Momentum building on climate 10:35 p.m.
- Pakistan's pres. gives up nuke reins 10:34 p.m.
- World datelines 10:33 p.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Idaho woman dies after fall
- Cougars beat Utes, 26-23
352 - Thunder rolls by Jazz136
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin134
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies115
- Cave to be sealed with body inside114
- Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin113
- Letters: Trump card for believers99
- Rivalry Week is highly profane88
- Hall's legacy measured today75
- Y. focused on 10-win season73
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
Latest comments
It's time to get 'er done, that's why the 'rush'. We've been at it for...
Here we go again... Is he going to start singing in court again? This...
"New Mexico held TCU to 51 points today and the Utah stellar defense couldn't...
I haven't been so optimistic about Aggie football in a long time. Even though...
A team that only won 3 D.I games, one win was to a D.I-AA team, no D.I...
I'd like to thank the Utes for an entertaining game and for losing for the...
I think we all pretty much agree that Todd needs a life other than blogging....
Bro, don't be so narrow in your thinking. Is Oklahoma beating Oklahoma State...
I love watching Utah football and it was a nail-biter, but Utah made too many...
Thanks Max for making your team, your university, your faith, and your family...
Advertisements