On August 3, a tunnel collapsed in the Pinabete mine in the city of Sabinas in Mexico, filling parts of the mine with water.

Since then, rescue workers have been working to empty the mine of water in order to reach the ten miners who did not manage to get out.

With each passing day, the desperation of the relatives grows.

Day and night they are outside the mine in the hope that the miners can be rescued.

The water levels in the mine have increased since the collapse, making rescue efforts even more difficult - and no signs of life have yet been received from the trapped.

Relatives require more help

Maria Montelongo, sister of one of the miners, worries that they will never be rescued.

If her fears are fulfilled, it is a crime that cannot go unpunished - against people who are already working under terrible conditions, she told Reuters.

- I am afraid that they will not be returned to us, neither alive nor dead.

Martha Maria Huerta, who is the wife of one of the trapped miners, says it's not about blaming anyone.

- If they are alive, they must have become desperate, it is too much, she says and continues:

- That is why we are talking now, because we want help.