A year later, a look back at the Totten Mine rescue in Sudbury, Ont.
A year ago, 39 miners at Vale's Totten Mine in the Sudbury, Ont. area were trapped underground for four days when a scoop bucket got jammed in the main shaft.
It all started Sept. 26, 2021, and there were many anxious moments before all of them -- 38 men and one woman -- climbed or were pulled up 1,800 feet to get out -- the equivalent of the CN Tower.
"A year went by pretty quickly (because) it does seem like not that long ago," said Shawn Rideout, of Ontario Mine Rescue.
"(It) seems like a few weeks ago when we were sitting in conference rooms and discussing how we were going to evacuate 39 workers from Totten Mine. It seems unrealistic that we were working solid for between 40 and 72 hours to get these workers up safe to their families."
In a statement, a Vale spokesperson said they are glad things are back to normal.
"This is thanks to a lot of hard work, determination and a steadfast commitment to safety by our employees," the statement from Jeffrey Lewis said.
"We have now implemented new controls for slinging equipment at underground mines — an important change that reflects our commitment to continuous learning and safety."
Rideout said the whole operation was a huge success thanks to those involved leaning heavily on their training.
"Probably one of the best lessons I learned is to always keep extra socks with me," Rideout said.
"(After) 16 to 18 hours in a pair of socks, it’s the little luxuries that you wish you had with you. But, more seriously, that whole operation, whole mission, went very successfully and it's because … training that we provide that prepares these rescuers for what they’re going to encounter. It’s really reassuring for us that we’re on the right path and we’re preparing our volunteers and mine rescue officers for any challenge that they might see.
The training has only increased since the ordeal took place, Rideout said.
"Most recently, we just all signed off on our (National Fire Protection Association) fire courses," he said.
"We did advanced cardiac life support courses, so we turned a bunch of miners into nearly doctors. So we’re really advancing their knowledge and they’ve really accepted that challenge and are truly excelling at it."
Rideout said it's only fitting that one year later, he and his team are in Edmonton attending a symposium sharing their knowledge and experience surrounding rope rescue.
Correction
The total the trapped miners had to climb is equivalent to the height of the CN Tower, not two as initially reported.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.