DENVER — The rescue of 33 Chilean miners five years ago is one of the greatest survival stories of all time — and a Colorado crew made the outcome possible.
Their story is about to hit the big screen. The movie “The 33” shows what happened. The leader of the Colorado crew got to screen the movie a few weeks ago.
Arvada resident Jeff Hart was the lead drill operator on the rescue mission. He said the movie paints a good picture of what happened.
“We found ourselves with the hair standing up a lot because you go back to the moment,” he said. “There’s that scenario, your mind is there, you can visualize exactly what’s going on.”
Hart said he remembers it like it was yesterday.
“Once the call came, we just kinda do what we do every day, motivated to put a plan together to see if we could help out,” he said. “We were making calls as the day went, so it was on-site training learning as we went as well. The tool we were using wasn’t meant to do what we were trying to do.”
They worked around the clock for 33 days.
“The number 33 played into everything to the number of miners, to the days we were there, everyone came out 10-13-10 … which is 33,” he said.
In the movie, Hart is played by James Brolin.
“James Brolin is a great actor. He’s 30 years older than I am, so it’s kind of interesting seeing him on the big screen playing you. Some of the things he said we would’ve never said, but you have to Hollywood it up just a little bit,” Hart said.
“For me it was interesting to watch the screen. Oh my gosh they’re actually trying to play your part which is very strange. … You don’t think that is something that will be in your lifetime,” Hart said.
Five years ago, with 33 lives on the line, Hart said he never visualized this real-life rescue turning into a Hollywood drama.
“We were tired, realistically were just wore out,” he said. “We were tired, ready for it to be over, just emotionally ready to go, but it was a very happy moment.”
Since then, Hart and his crew have been recognized by presidents and by the miners they helped. And while he has nothing at stake, he hopes this movie does well at the box office, another way to help those 33 miners.
“It’s supporting a good cause. These guys get something out of it … help them get back on their feet,” Hart said.