Rescuers are put on air - raid safety monitors to go after trapped miners . The rescuers are miners themselves , according to Gary Knowles , superintendent of the Tasman Police District , who is heading the rescue effort . Prince Charles sends message to prime minister . Authorities have met with family members of 29 trapped men . Those trapped could be as far as 2.2 km ( 1.4 miles ) from the mine entrance .
Rescuers are put on air - raid safety monitors to go after trapped miners . Prince Charles sends message to prime minister . Authorities have met with family members of 29 trapped men . Those trapped could be as far as 2.2 km ( 1.4 miles ) from the mine entrance .