Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert provides a detailed, real-time account of the harrowing experience of the 33 miners who were trapped in the San José copper-gold mine in Copiapó, Chile, in 2010. The miners were stuck in a small refuge 2,300 feet beneath the surface for 69 days, from August 5 to October 13, facing a terrifying battle for survival against time, dwindling resources, and the psychological toll of their situation.
The story begins with a powerful mine collapse that traps the miners underground. The collapse is so intense that it blocks all known exits, leaving the miners without a clear escape route. In the initial days, the miners managed to survive on meager rations, consuming only a small amount of canned fish, peaches, and milk each day. Simultaneously, the narrative depicts the fear and worry of the miners' families, camped at the surface in what they call "Camp Hope."
The narrative then shifts to the rescue efforts led by the Chilean government, who are determined to save the miners. The government recruits help from a global community of drilling experts, engineers, and medical professionals. Despite the vast distances and differences in culture and language, this diverse group of rescuers coalesces around a single objective - to rescue the trapped miners.
As the story progresses, multiple drilling plans are considered, designed, and executed. Each has its unique challenges and potential consequences. Drilling methods from different parts of the world, including a U.S. drilling technique known as "Plan B," proves successful. The narrative is marked by several moments of suspense and despair, including failed drilling attempts and concerns about the miners' deteriorating physical and mental health.
In the end, after multiple failed attempts and 69 days of relentless effort, the rescuers managed to drill a narrow tunnel to the miners' refuge. Using a specially-designed capsule named "Phoenix," they extract the miners one by one, reuniting them with their relieved families. The event was broadcast worldwide, with millions witnessing this extraordinary testament to human will and ingenuity.
Aronson concludes the book with a reflection on the aftermath of the rescue. He discusses the impact of the incident on the miners and their families, their struggle with fame, and the various psychological issues they had to contend with. The book ends with an analysis of the broader context, highlighting the conditions of the global mining industry and the ongoing risks miners worldwide face.
