MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Nicaragua's government said Tuesday that it called off a search for at least four missing miners, because cave-ins made the effort too dangerous and hopes had faded that anyone would be found alive after five days.
Nicaragua's first lady and government spokesman, Rosario Murillo, said continuing the effort would put more lives at risk.
Murillo told the Channel 4 television station that "experts had to admit that any rescue was impossible because of the danger."
At least 26 miners were trapped by a collapse Thursday at the El Comal gold and silver mine near Bonanza, about 260 miles northeast of Managua. Twenty-two made it out alive.
Between four and eight men were believed still missing. The exact number was unclear because the miners were freelancers, not formal employees.
The mine is operated under a concession held by Hemco, which is owned by Colombia-based Minero SA. But freelance miners are allowed to work in the area if they sell any gold they find to the company.