THEY'RE OUT!!!
Trapped Tasmanian miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell have walked back into the light after being trapped nearly a kilometre underground for two weeks.
Looking amazingly robust and well after their ordeal, the two men stepped out of the lift cage at 0600AEST, raising their arms as the crowd cheered and sirens wailed, then flipping the tags that denote that a miner has returned safe from underground.
In fluoro jackets and with miners hardhats, headlights shining, the freed men smiled and walked freely among the crowd gathered inside the mine site compound, including family, rescuers and workmates.
They shook hands, waved to people and gave thanks.
But the mood amongst the rescue workers was tempered by the fact they will all be attending Larry Knight's funeral later today.
``It's a bloody tragedy,'' the miner said.
Mr Russell and Mr Webb entered separate ambulances at 6.05am (AEST), still smiling and waving and giving the thumbs up to wellwishers.
Their children jumped into the vehicles to hug their fathers.
The two ambulances then travelled for 40 minutes under police escort to Launceston general hospital.
The pair were taken into the hospital strapped to stretchers but waving their arms, punching the air and giving thumbs up to the cheering crowd.
Dr Ayre says the men are in very good physical shape and he believes they will probably spend a short time at the hospital before they can go home.
As the ambulances left the mine site, followed by minivans carrying their families, the convoy was cheered by crowds of people who formed an honour guard.
Brant Webb and Todd Russell handed out printed business cards while hugging their families and colleagues soon after reaching the surface at the Beaconsfield Gold Mine in Tasmania, a co-worker who helped in the rescue told AAP.
``The Great Escape'', the cards read.
``To all who have helped and supported us and our families, we cannot wait to shake your hand and shout you a Sustagen.
``Thanks is not enough.''
The card is signed Brant and Todd.
Mr Gill said judging by their condition it was likely they would try to attend Larry Knight's funeral later today.
Mr Knight's funeral will be held at one o'clock this afternoon in Launceston.
A bell at Beaconsfield's Uniting Church pealed in celebration just after 5am (AEST).
It was the first time the bell had been rung since the end of World War II, 61 years ago. [Note: the bell broke]
The successful rescue has made international headlines, with the BBC News website giving the story top billing.
Australian Workers Union national secretary Bill Shorten said: "Today we've had unbelievable news. After 14 nights at 4.47am, Brant Webb and 4.54am Todd Russell, were freed."
"This is an amazing day, the rescuers have done a fantastic job. The families have been fantastic. And clearly these two men have been outstanding Australians. It's a great day," Mr Shorten said.