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CNN Saturday Morning News

Significant Progress Being Made to Reach Trapped Miners

Aired July 27, 2002 - 08:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: At a news conference just a few moments ago in Pennsylvania, the governor said that significant progress is being made to reach nine miners that have been trapped underground since Wednesday night.

CNN's Brian Palmer was there for that news conference. He's joining us now with the very latest -- Brian, the governor seems somewhat optimistic that they are now at least down into the limestone area, getting ever closer to the miners that have been trapped there.

BRIAN PALMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Catherine, the drilling crews have drilled about half of the total distance toward the flooded mine where the miners, those nine miners are believed to be. The governor estimated that that drilling should be completed some time this morning. But he also added that the predictions sometimes have proved to be inaccurate.

He also explained why the drilling, why the progress has been so slow.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. MARK SCHWEIKER, PENNSYLVANIA: This is limestone from 155 feet down. And we're trying to reach 207 and ultimately 237, where that chamber likely is. But if you are mindful of your loved ones' precarious situation down there at 237 feet and you show them limestone from 155 out of rescue shaft two, it is proof positive that we are making progress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PALMER: Catherine, there's also no word on the condition of the miners. They've been trapped for going on 60 hours now. The sensitive seismic monitoring devices that they've positioned at the site, according to the governor, haven't been able to give accurate readings because the noise of the actual rescue operation is just overwhelming -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: He did seem optimistic, though. I mean I guess he couldn't help but be optimistic considering the long task they have ahead of them, right?

PALMER: Indeed. And the many setbacks that they've had. They've had tremendous setbacks. But they really have no choice but to just keep going now. Lots of lives hang in the balance below ground and the families above ground, who are waiting for some definitive answer of what has become of their relatives -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: All right, thank you.

CNN's Brian Palmer.

Thanks, Brian.

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