The most insane rescue missions in modern history

Rescuers have finally reached the 41 workers trapped by the Himalayan tunnel collapse

Stars Insider

08/01/24 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Rescues

On November 12, a tunnel in the Himalayan Mountains collapsed, trapping 41 low-wage workers inside. The men remained trapped behind an estimated 200 feet (60 meters) of rock, earth, and metal for more than two weeks as rescue teams scrambled to break through the mountain of debris. The rescue mission faced several setbacks as the large drilling machine they were using was damaged, extending the timeline for the rescue. In the meantime, food, water, and medical supplies were passed to the trapped men through a long pipe. 

Following the failure of the heavy-duty machinery, it was announced that manual tools would have to be used to break through the final 10-15 feet. Growing desperate, the government agencies managing the mission called in expert "rat miners" for the final push. Rat miners get their name for the controversial and dangerous style of burrowing they employ to get through small spaces with hand tools, usually to reach coal deposits. They worked through the night on Monday, November 27, and on Tuesday, it was announced that they had finally broken through. Their work allowed for a narrow pipe, just three feet wide, to be passed through to the workers. The 41 men will be passed through the pipe on wheeled stretchers one by one. Their families are waiting anxiously outside, along with 41 ambulances ready to take each survivor directly to the nearest hospital. All of the trapped workers are believed to be in good health. 

Rescue workers outside the collapsed tunnel are already rejoicing over the victory that has finally come after an arduous 17-day mission. The exact cause of the disaster has yet to be determined, but landslides and earthquakes are common in the area. 

Every day around the world, people find themselves in dangerous situations created by natural disasters, terrorism, or even human mistakes. And while a rescue mission's goal is to save lives, it often involves risk for rescuers. Click through the following gallery to see more of the greatest rescue missions of all time.

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