Trapped miners face 14th night underground.

Trapped miners face 14th night underground. 08/05/2006. ABC News Online: "Two Tasmanian miners are facing their 14th night underground as the rescue team drills a difficult right angle approach close to the men.

It is not known how long it will take but Brant Webb and Todd Russell are said to be in reasonable health and good spirits.

Miners are finishing the final horizontal stretch before tunnelling through about 1.5 metres of vertical rock to the trapped men.

As the Beaconsfield mine defends the prolonged rescue operation, saying it is taking the safest route, community members are subdued but supportive.

Paul Medling drove 45 minutes from Launceston to be at the mine.

'I suppose you would get a bit anxious, wouldn't you. Most people would get a bit anxious and all said you're going to come out today, and then 2 o'clock in the morning, and it goes on and on,' he said.

Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery says he hopes the two miners are freed safely.

Major General Jeffrey says he has been closely following the news coverage of the rescue operation.

He says Mr Webb and Mr Russell's reported positive outlook is reflective of a typically Australian attitude.

'All of us have been praying for the successful rescue of the two miners. It just brings home to all of us the courage of all Australians in deep adversity,' "