Rescue Needed!

A COAL MINE near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., was suddenly flooded by millions of gallons of water. Nine miners were trapped in an air pocket 240 feet [73 m] underground. Three days later, they were back on the surface, safe and sound. How were they rescued?

Aided by maps of the mine and by the Global Positioning System, rescuers drilled a 30-inch [65 cm]-wide hole and lowered a capsulelike cage down to where the men were huddled. One by one, the miners were brought to the surface in that cage, out of their would-be tomb. All were happy, relieved, and grateful for their rescue.