Chile’s mining heroes returned to the scene of their record-breaking survival for an emotional celebratory Mass, amid some strains over the media frenzy surrounding them.

Thirteen survivors, accompanied by partners and children, took part in a private ceremony after visiting the tent city where relatives refused to give up hope, waiting anxiously for 10 long weeks for their safe return.

Claudio Yanez, who proposed to his long-time companion Cristina Nunez during the ordeal, toured Camp Hope with his tiny daughter in his arms, peering into tents now empty and battered by the strong Atacama desert winds.

“This was a city,” he said, as workers slowly set about taking down the makeshift shelters that became home to thousands of relatives and well wishers as the massive rescue effort reached its euphoric climax on Wednesday.

Dario Segovia, a rescued drill operator whose sister Maria was nicknamed “The Mayoress” for the leadership role she assumed at the camp, paid tribute to the stoicism of the miners’ families.

“Everyone suffered out here as we suffered down there,” he said.