Daily Lessons from Life 15 October 2010 - Chile basks in mine rescue glory

Channel NewsAsia "Chile basks in mine rescue glory - 5 October 2010

COPIAPO, Chile: Chile beamed with pride on Thursday after its flawless rescue of 33 trapped miners captivated the world, as the survivors began to adjust to their new lives in the glare of the media spotlight.

'Our plan worked, that's why we're so satisfied,' Mining Minister Laurence Golborne told reporters at the San Jose mine outside the northern city of Copiapo where the drama unfolded.

'If this story was a movie, no one would have believed that this story would have happened as it has now,' said Golborne, the public face of the unprecedented rescue effort since its launch back in August."

It is great to see all the 33 trapped miners rescued unharmed and relatively healthy. Also wonderful to note that they had formed deep bond emerging from this almost tragic accident!

Lessons for me are:

1. the facilities in the mines are properly planned and wisely utilized. Had there not been a proper safety chamber being there, we would be morning the death of 33 trapped miners instead of rejoicing!;

2. while the men were trapped and got to the relatively safe safety chamber, the organization of the men by the supposedly leader and the close bond of these men believing and wanting to make it out of this accident alive triumphed over all the odds. The careful rationing. The constant activities to do at the lowest possible impact so as to conserve energy, food and drink. So, it is very much a team effort to stay alive!;

3. while the world focus is on the near miraculous rescue, many who were asking the question: 'why did the accident occur?' are pushed to the background. While I do not want to be cynical, I could not help asking: Is this the typical case of: if you are able to clear up the accident well enough, all will be forgiven! Seriously I hope that after all the euphoria died down, someone will start to ask the nasty question of: why did the accident happen?

Some commentators said that the Chileans are happy that they have demonstrated the 'can do' spirit. This we gladly acknowledge and celebrate. At the same time, someone will need to ensure that the accident does not happen again.