We are proud to be Chileans

Dubai: The 33 miners have made Chile proud and united a country that pulls together in hours of darkness, said Chilean expatriates as they watched the dramatic rescue operation on television.

Facebook and Twitter came alive with congratulatory messages being posted by countrymen each time one miner reached the surface of the earth.

There are 150 Chileans in the UAE, 125 in Dubai and the rest in Abu Dhabi. Many of them are pilots and the others in the business sector.

Carlos Salas, Trade attaché of Chile for the GCC, said: "This rescue served to show the world that Chile is a country that knows how to react to adversity, working as team, fast and professionally for a common vision. Now everybody is talking about Chile."

Lorena Gallo, Trade Assistant, Trade Commission Office of the Embassy of Chile, said she was happy for all the miners, but she would have liked to be with them, sharing all the events "that are very important for our country."

Patricia Fuentes, Trade Assistant, Trade Commission Office, Embassy of Chile said people now know Chile not only for the big earthquake in February, but also because it has proved that Chileans are strong. "It has shown we have technical skills and the ability to resolve any situation as a nation.

"On the other hand, internally this is a big challenge because it has made obvious that many changes are required in the labour laws in general, but specifically the mine industry."

Live streaming

As yesterday was a working day, most Chileans here were following the rescue online, thanks to the Chilean Government that was doing live streaming on its website.

Ricardo Manriquez, a hotel manager, who has been in Dubai for seven years, said: "This moment was huge in terms of emotion. But the families are together again — all this makes me feel very proud to be a Chilean.

"Today, I woke up early to follow the rescue. I used to be a rescue fireman in Chile and participated in some similar situations. I know that people in Chile are prepared for these incidents."

Miguel Angel Carrasco, a pilot, has been in Abu Dhabi for more than four years. He saw the first miner emerge with his family. "My feelings were of profound happiness to see the men being rescued. I am proud of their courage and the rescue teams. The impeccable operation is receiving world-wide recognition.'

Paolo Valdes, another pilot, said he is very proud of the strength of his people. It represents the spirit of Chile that is always is up to challenges.

"The whole country is working as one. I am happy because of the good image that Chile is projecting abroad and thankful for all the support from many countries that have helped in this operation."

'It has been a great joy'

Jean-Paul Tarud, Chilean Ambassador, said in a statement: "It has been a great joy and very emotional moments to see these men, in good spirit, come out of their ordeal one by one. The President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera has been on site since the early hours of yesterday to receive the now 14 miners who have been rescued from the depths of the earth.

"The world is watching closely as the Phoenix capsule brings these heroes to the surface and this is a remarkable demonstration of determination, compassion and human resourcefulness, from the miners and the rescuers alike. We are all very relieved that this situation will soon be over for them and hope that they will be left in peace for some time, to reunite with their families."