Modesto Varischetti Modesto Varischetti i(A143077 works by) (a.k.a. Charlie Varischetti)
Born: Established: 24 Oct 1874 Lombardy,
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Italy,
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Western Europe, Europe, ; Died: Ceased: 3 Sep 1920 Kalgoorlie, Goldfields area, Southeast Western Australia, Western Australia,
Gender: Male
Arrived in Australia: 15 Feb 1900
Heritage: Italian
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BiographyHistory

'One of the most remarkable rescue and survival stories in Australian history involved 160 miners', underwater divers (Frank Hughes and Thomas Hearn), and Italian gold miner, Modesto 'Charlie' Varischetti.

Originally from Gorno, in Lombardy, Italy, Varischetti was a 32 year old widower and father of five who had first come to Australia in 1900. He arrived, as one of many migrant workers, seeking employment in the goldfields area of Western Australia.

In March 1907 Varischetti gained public notoriety for his courage and stoicism when he was carried to safety after nine days underground at the Westralia mine, at Bonnievale, 12 kilometres from Coolgardie' in Western Australia.

(Source: Tony Stephens, 'A Great Survival' Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 2006)

Most Referenced Works

Last amended 5 Dec 2011 17:39:49
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