3rd Hole Planned to Reach Utah Miners

Aug. 12, 2007 — -- The rescue team at the Crandall County mine in Utah have seen the first pictures from inside the area of the mine where six miners were believed to be trapped, but saw no signs of the men.

During the second attempt to lower a camera into the mine, rescuers saw a tool bag, a chain and other equipment, but no miners, living or dead.

On Sunday night, the team began drilling a third hole into the mine, this time aiming for a region where they say the miners might have fled to if they were seeking better air.

A full week after the miners vanished behind a cave-in at the mine, rescuers have found no sign of life, but they insist they are not giving up hope.

The mine's co-owner, Bob Murray, said miners have been pulled alive from mines after even longer periods underground. "We're proceeding as if the men are alive, and we will continue to do that until we have absolute proof," he said.

Murray said rescuers are being slowed down and are experiencing the worst conditions underground since the effort began.

"They are the most difficult conditions I have seen in my 50 years of mining," he said.

The miners' families are also holding out hope of a rescue. At a church service today, families and community members gathered to pray for the men, known locally as "our six."

Jose Sanchez, whose cousin is one of the missing men, said his family is experiencing ups and downs, but banding together to support one another.

ABC's Neal Karlinsky contributed to this report from near the Crandall County mine.