There is a bleak hope of survival for the 17 miners who have been trapped at an 80-feet mining pit at Nsuta-Prestea in the Western Region more than three days after the unfortunate incident.

According to rescuers who discovered a body on Tuesday morning from the debris, they are no longer able to communicate with the victims as was done earlier.

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio who visited the area, revealed that the situation does not warrant for rescuers to use machines and therefore they are resorting to the use of their hands.

“With the help of the Minerals Commission, we know where all the bedrocks are being mined…I think it is about time the Military task force comes in. Because as they come in, they will come and beef up the work that we are doing and with their support, we will be able to locate these people and flush them out,’ he said.

More than 17 persons on Monday were trapped in a mining pit at the area after it caved on them following a heavy downpour in the area.

There have been hopes by locals to rescue the victims alive but current circumstances have swept away such hopes with residents fearing that could be last they will see their relations alive.