5 bodies recovered, search for remaining workers continuing

115 workers have so far been rescued from the flooded mine in north China's Shanxi Province. Most of them are in a stable condition, after receiving intensive medical treatment. Five bodies were also recovered from the site Tuesday, but the search for the remaining workers is continuing around the clock.

Rescuers walk out of the flooded Wangjialing Coal Mine after continuously working for more than 10 hours underground in north China's Shanxi Province, early on April 6, 2010. China witnessed miracles in its mining rescue history Monday as 115 workers were pulled out alive after being trapped for over a week in the flooded coal mine, and rescuers are continuing the search for 38 trapped miners.(Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Eight days of non-stop rescue efforts finally paid off on Monday, as 115 trapped miners were brought to surface, one by one.

Some of them had relied on eating the bark of pine wood, and drinking murky underground water, to survive during the ordeal.

They say that they had strong belief that someone would save them. Many had gathered in groups. They would take turns swaying their mine lamps, to try to attract attention.

Luo Lin, director of State Administration of Work Safety,said, "We've seen two miracles. One was from the trapped workers themselves, who stayed in the shaft for 8 days and survived. And the rescue plans we made were very efficient. This is really a miracle in China's mining rescue history."

Some rescuers recalled the moment they reached the trapped miners.

A rescuer said, "They asked me 'can you get us out of here?' I told them 'if we can come in, then we can get you out safely.' "

A rescuer said, "I cannot describe my feelings. Being able to save these workers, it's great."