The dangerous rescue of Chile's trapped miners

Chile's 33 "miracle miners" have their escape hatch ready. How risky is the endgame?

Rescue team officials inspect the capsule that will be used to rescue the trapped Chilean miners.
(Image credit: Corbis)

The first of the 33 Chilean miners trapped since Aug. 5 are likely to reach the surface Wednesday, after a 2,300-foot rescue shaft was completed over the weekend. Workers finished lining the first few hundred feet of the 28-inch-wide tunnel with metal pipe Monday, and the next few days will be spent testing the escape pod and readying the miners for their upward journey. (Watch an ABC News report about the rescue mission.) Here's a look at what lies in store for Chile's 33 national heroes:

What is the rescue plan?

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