33 miners were trapped when a tunnel collapsed in the San José mine (which is near Copiapo) on 5 August 2010. They were finally rescued on 13 / 14th October 2010 after 70 days underground, the longest time anyone has survived being trapped underground. The rescue operation captured the public imagination worldwide, the finale when the miners were finally brought to the surface was televised live in many countries. Flags, messages of support, special masses praying for their rescue etc were common throughout Chile while the miners were underground.