Chilean community celebrates miners’ rescue

The rescue of 33 miners from what had seemed certain to be their tomb below the Chilean desert ended within 24-hours, thrilled the Chilean community here and had the world watching.
“It was as if they were between heaven and hell and rescued by God,” said Denic Catalán, owner of the Chilean restaurant Pomaire in Midtown, who was enjoying a popular Chilean hot dog from San Antonio Bakery 2 on Astoria Boulevard and 37th Street in Astoria.
After 69 days underground, the first rescue attempt started on late Tuesday, October 12. About 8.5 million viewers watched the rescue unfold on the three major cable networks. Viewers were able to see live video from within the mine and the reunions between the miners and their families. Chilean-born restaurant owner Ruben Guzmán along with his patrons watched the drama unfold daily on the channel TV Chile from his shop San Antonio Bakery 2.
“This is a feat which I think cannot be repeated,” said Guzmán, who lives in Valley Stream, L.I., an area with a large Chilean community. “It’s a miracle that the 33 were rescued.”
Other Chilean viewers like Nancy Torres were mesmerized by the rescues and happy reunions.
“Seeing the first one rescued was emotional,” said Torres. “I was crying the whole day.”
Catalán, Guzmán and Torres were all impressed by how the crisis united Chile and ignited an infectious pride.
“It was very emotional and impressive the unification of the country,” Catalán said. “Faith moved mountains.”
Some now are referring to the No. 33 as a lucky number. That’s because the successful rescue took place on the 13th day of the 10th month in the 10th year of a new millennium. Thirteen plus 10, plus 10 equals 33. Guzmán said he usually is not superstitious, but he admits that is a bizarre coincidence.
“People have made many conclusions,” Guzmán said. “The number is a fountain of luck.”
Even with the newly found attention, Torres hopes that life of the 33 miners won’t change.
“I think life will change for them now,” Torres said. “They are heroes now. Hopefully their life will not change, because they are miners. If it does change, I hope it will be for the better.”