CONGRATULATIONS to the Chilean government and all the rescue workers who saved the 33 men from the San Jose mine after 69 days.

It brings back memories of my diesel submarine days during the Cold War: no baths or showers, sealed hatches, water rationed, oxygen shortages and Arctic conditions – all for half a crown a day more than we would receive as an ordinary sailor.

After three months we arrived back at base – with no cheers, just a smelly body. After two weeks’ leave, and a week preparing, off we went again.

Happy days.

William Burns, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham