Chile rescue capsule in successful test

The Chilean mine rescue team successfully tested a rescue capsule nearly all the way down to where the miners are trapped today. Leader Andres Sougarett said the empty capsule descended 2,000 feet, just 46 feet short of the chamber where 33 miners have...

The Chilean mine rescue team successfully tested a rescue capsule nearly all the way down to where the miners are trapped today.

Leader Andres Sougarett said the empty capsule descended 2,000 feet, just 46 feet short of the chamber where 33 miners have been trapped since an August 5 collapse.

He said all would be in place at midnight local time (6am Malta) to begin the rescue.

Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said that the capsule performed well in the hole and did not even loosen any dust.

The steel capsule was lowered by winch into the hole after its top 295 feet were encased in tubing.

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