Local Man Recalls Chilean Mine Rescue

MEDIA (CBS) -- MEDIA (CBS) -- Jeff Rotin studied mechanical systems at Delaware County Community College in 2006. He says he never dreamed his career in engineering would put him at the forefront of an international event but he returned to the campus today to share the story of how he helped rescue 33 Chilean miners.

Rotin (at right in photo above) is an engineer for the West Chester-based drilling company Schramm Incorporated and part of the team that drilled the hole through which the miners escaped.

"It was a pretty hard experience living in the desert for 36 days. It's a pretty life-changing event," says Rotin.

What kept him going, he says, was "the passion to get these guys out and the families being there on location just praying every day to get these guys out of the hole."

Rotin spoke to students about the obstacles that had to be overcome: harsh conditions, broken drill bits, the constant race against time.

He was joined by colleague Bruce Mackay (at left in photo above) who stayed back in West Chester, sending the team tools as they were needed. They say UPS waved about $3 million in shipping charges for the effort.

And when the miners emerged, Rotin recalls, "It was a pretty big relief. It was like having an elephant come off your chest. You were there so long and working so hard and to have it work out was an awesome feeling."

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060.