Trapped miners kept sane by poker
Chilean miners trapped underground are playing poker to keep their spirits up
| by Jackhunter |  August, 27th 2010 |
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Above: The trapped miners are playing poker to stay sane
Miners trapped 2,300ft underground in Chile are keeping their spirits up - by playing endless games of poker.
The 33 men, who were buried alive when the San Jose mine collapsed last month, have been told they may not be rescued until Christmas.
But they have managed to communicate with the outside world through a half-mile long probe drilled through the rock and it seems Texas Hold'em is their game of choice.
Carolina Lobos, whose father Franklin, 53, is one of those trapped, said: "It will be difficult, I'm sure, but I'm not worried about him."
The 25-year-old added: "I know he is happy and content down there because he is playing lots of poker and cards. It is good for his mind."
Food and water is being lowered to the miners and they have even managed to sing the Chilean national anthem on the phone to a stunned world above.
It is hoped a narrow bore hole - around 27 inches in diameter - can be drilled so winches can be lowered and the men pulled to the surface, one by one.
