Six men have been trapped in a mine for seventeen hours. If they are not brought to the surface soon they may lose their lives. However, rescue operations are proving difficult. (1)______________________. Rescue workers are therefore drilling a hole on the north side of the mine. They intend to bring the men up in a special capsule. If there had not been a hard layer of rock beneath the soil, they would have completed the job in a few hours. As it is, (2)____________________. Meanwhile, a microphone, which was lowered into the mine two hours ago, has enabled the men to keep in touch with their closest relatives. (3)____________________________. They have been told that rescue operations are progressing smoothly. If they knew how difficult it was to drill through the hard rock, they would lose heart.
1. if explosive are used ,vibration will cause the roof of the mine collapse.
2. they have been drilling for 16 hours and they still have a long way to go.
3. though, they are running out of food and drink, the men are cheerful and confident that they will get out soon.