Stranded workers break into tears in video postcard to outside world

A NEWLY released video has revealed the miners trapped beneath the Atacama Desert remain in good spirits, but are struggling to cope with being separated from their loved ones.

The footage shows the men sending greetings to their families, talking about how they are doing better since receiving food, and breaking into tears as they mention loved ones.

The men are shown shirtless because of the heat in the mine and wearing what look like white surgical trousers, special clothing sent down to help keep them dry.

Most are upbeat in spite of their plight, expressing gratitude to their families and the rescuers for the support they are receiving via handwritten notes sent to them through three small bore holes.

Osman Aray was one of several men to break down when addressing the camera to send a message to his loved ones.

"I'm sending my greetings to Angelica. I love you so much, darling," the 30-year-old said, as his voice choked and he began to cry. "Tell my mother, I love you guys so much. I'll never leave you, I will fight to the end to be with you."

In the video, one miner explains to the family of 28-year-old Ariel Ticona that he did not want to appear on camera - apparently because he is shy - but that he was sending his love to them and that, according to an unidentified speaker, he "is super happy and he is super, super, super well."

The latest video, in contrast to the first 45-minute video released by the government last Thursday, shows little of the men's surroundings. Instead, it appears meant as a video postcard for loved ones, as each of the 12 men who speak to the camera are given about 30 seconds to talk.

At one point, the camera pans to a larger group of men, and several animated, joking voices can be heard throughout the tape.

One unidentified man, who squints in the light shone on his face as do most of the miners, said he is thankful "for all your efforts out there."