Back From the Dead

The Extraordinary Rescue at San Jose de Garcia Mine

In late December 1897, a near-tragedy began to unfold at the San Jose de Garcia mine in Guanajuato, Mexico. The earliest dispatches circulated alarming reports that thirty-five miners had been fatally submerged when the mine was suddenly flooded by a previously unknown underground river. More accurate accounts later clarified the terrifying sequence of events.

The Inrush of Water and Entrapment

The thirty-five miners were toiling in the lower levels when they first became aware of water slowly seeping into the mine. Their concern escalated into panic when the flow swiftly increased in volume. The men immediately rushed toward the ladders, succeeding in reaching a single, higher level, but could get no further.

When the scheduled shift failed to ascend to the surface, the grim rumor that all the men had drowned quickly spread. A rescue team bravely volunteered, but the effort was immediately deemed impossible. As a result, they did nothing more than confirm a flood in the lower levels.

Four Days Underground and a Jubilant Outcome

Four days elapsed, and as time passed, all hope was lost. The families of the imprisoned miners succumbed to overwhelming grief, and the dire news was announced: all the men had perished.

Yet, in a dramatic turn, a small rescue party, still pursuing their efforts despite having no expectation of success, finally reached the refuge level and rescued the entire group. The poor souls were in a severely weakened state, having had no sustenance throughout their time trapped on that level; some were so weak they could barely move.

Nevertheless, every man was brought safely to the surface, where they were met with a powerful outburst of joyous celebration among their family members and fellow miners. They were carefully given food and liquor, and it was later reported that they were all restored to their normal vigor, with the exception of a small number who remained more physically debilitated than the rest.