(CNN) -- Rescue workers in Chile are preparing tubes packed with flashlights, food and medicine after learning that 33 miners trapped for nearly three weeks are still alive in an underground shelter.
Officials cautioned that it could take four months to rescue the workers. But family members cheered as Chilean President Sebastian Pinera held a hand-written note pulled from the mine up for television cameras Sunday.
Written in Spanish in red ink, it read simply: "We are fine in the shelter, the 33 of us".
The note was tied to a probe authorities had lowered earlier on Sunday.
Miner Mario Gomez also sent up a note to his wife, written on tattered loose-leaf paper, CNN Chile reported.
"Dear Lila, I am well, thank God. I hope to get out soon. Patience and faith. God is great. We are going to get out with God's help. Tell everyone that I am well". CNN
