2 miners trapped half a mile underground for six days begged for bacon and eggs yesterday.
In his first words to rescuers, survivor Todd Russell, 35, swore and said through a microphone link: "It's extremely cold and cramped in here. Get us out."
He and fellow pitman Brant Webb, 36, who have survived on rancid water while huddled in a 5ftx5ft cage, then asked for their slap-up meal. Instead they were passed biscuits, fresh water and vitamin tablets via a four-inch hole bored 40ft through collapsed rock.
A cooked breakfast after at least 144 hours without food could have had damaging effects. Pit manager Matthew Gill said: "It's critical they have enough to live on while we try to get them out. They're alive thanks to sheer willpower." It could be two days before the men are released.
Todd and Brant - father of 18-year-old twin sons - became entombed in the Beaconsfield gold mine, in Tasmania, after a cave-in a week ago.
They were saved by a slab of rock that fell on their protective cage. Workmate Larry Knight was killed.
Australian Premier John Howard yesterday praised Beaconsfield's "incredible resilience".
Todd's mum Kaye joked: "He's claiming meal and living away from home allowances, plus overtime. I hope they've got their cheque book ready."
2 comments:
heehee..them guys are so funny...th aussie spirit is just so great..
my friend ross in australia's daughter just got married and it was all hot pink and black 50's style..brides maids wore vibrant hot pink with hot pink parasols, and the guys wore black shirts with black suits and bright pink bow ties..the bride was brought to church in a hot pink caddy(1959) with those huge fins..was so cool..
As I've said before , I love the Aussie sense of humour ( and spelling) I'm surpirsed they didn't ask for a Toohey's beer
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