Chile miners leave hospital in secret

by Matt Gardner

Chilean officials have announced that 28 of the 33 rescued miners have been discharged from hospital in secret.

Paola Neumann, who serves as head of regional health, told the BBC that their release was not publicised because they wanted to protect the workers and their families.

It means that just two of the 33 men who were freed in the landmark operation are still in hospital, though they would be transferred to different hospitals.

Dr Neumann confirmed that the two still having their health addressed are being treated for a dental infection and vertigo.

The first three miners to leave hospital were able to get out on Thursday evening, making brief public appearances before catching up with their personal lives. Dr Neumann said of the latest batch to leave: "This is not necessarily because of the media. Please don't take it personally."

Watched around the world, the amazing story of the trapped miners lasted for 69 days as mining experts finished their task ahead of schedule. It was previously thought the miners would be out just in time for Christmas.