History Today: How Chile pulled off the greatest mine rescue

The world watched in wonder as 33 Chilean miners were finally brought out after 69 days in the Copiapo region of Chile on October 13, 2010. Their rescue marked one of the most remarkable feats of engineering, perseverance, and human endurance in modern history.

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On this day in 1958, the world met the most polite bear, Paddington Bear, for the first time. He first appeared in the children’s book “A Bear Called Paddington”. Meanwhile, William Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, travelled to space in 2021. By doing so, he became the oldest person to fly into space at the age of 90.

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Here is all that took place on this day.

Miners rescued in Chile

The world watched in wonder as 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days were finally brought to safety in Chile on October 13, 2010. The miners had been trapped since August 5 after a catastrophic collapse at the San Jose copper-gold mine near Copiapo in northern Chile.

The miners were trapped nearly 700 metres below ground, enduring extreme heat, darkness, and limited food supplies. Initial efforts to locate and sustain them were challenging, but a breakthrough came when rescuers sent down a small drill, eventually establishing contact with the miners. They had survived by rationing food, drinking scarce water, and supporting each other in a small and confined space.

The rescue operation, known as Operación San Lorenzo, involved drilling a special capsule — nicknamed the “Fénix” — which could fit one miner at a time. A team of engineers, miners, and international experts coordinated tirelessly to ensure the capsule could safely navigate the narrow shaft. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera oversaw the operation, providing updates to a global audience captivated by the miners’ plight.

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Over the course of several hours, each miner was hoisted to the surface amid cheers, tears, and media coverage broadcast worldwide. Remarkably, all 33 miners survived, defying odds and demonstrating extraordinary resilience. Medical teams immediately assessed their health, treating dehydration, malnutrition, and minor injuries.

Paddington Bear debuted in United Kingdom

On this day in 1958, the world was introduced to a small and polite bear wearing a blue duffle coat and a red hat: Paddington Bear. Created by British author Michael Bond, Paddington made his first appearance in the children’s book “A Bear Called Paddington”, published by William Collins & Sons.

Paddington Bear is no ordinary bear. Hailing from “darkest Peru,” he arrives in London wearing a tag around his neck that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” He is discovered at Paddington Station by the Brown family, who decide to take him home. The story’s appeal lies in the bear’s polite manners, thoughtful demeanour, and humorous misunderstandings as he navigates life in London.

Michael Bond’s inspiration came from seeing a lone teddy bear on a store shelf on Christmas Eve in 1956. Bond decided to give the bear a life of his own, weaving in stories of kindness, mischief, and gentle satire of British society. Paddington’s adventures have universal appeal, teaching children values such as politeness, resilience, and empathy.

William Shatner went to space

Television icon William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, made history by becoming the oldest person to fly into space at the age of 90 on this day in 2021.

The flight, lasting approximately 10 minutes, carried Shatner and three other passengers on a suborbital trajectory above the Karman line, officially crossing the boundary of space. During the brief period of weightlessness, Shatner looked out at the Earth’s curvature and the vast expanse of the cosmos, visibly moved by the experience. Video footage captured the legendary actor gasping, tearing up, and expressing awe, famously saying, “What a miracle! What a wonderful miracle!”

Shatner’s historic flight was part of Blue Origin’s mission to open space travel to civilians, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Unlike astronauts who undergo years of training, Shatner received briefings and preparation for the short suborbital flight. The mission highlighted the growing role of private space companies in making space accessible to non-professionals and celebrities alike.

The event resonated worldwide, bridging pop culture and science. For fans of Star Trek, it was a poignant moment as the actor who once inspired generations to look to the stars actually journeyed beyond Earth. Media coverage praised the human and emotional aspect of the flight, emphasising Shatner’s reflections on humanity, the fragility of life, and the beauty of the planet.

This Day, That Year

• On this day in 1946, the constitution of the Fourth Republic was adopted in France.

• Italy declared war on Nazi Germany in 1943.

• B’nai B’rith, the oldest and largest Jewish service organisation in the world, was founded in New York City in 1843.