CARACAS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Twelve bodies have been recovered following a mine collapse in Venezuela's southern Bolivar state, Governor Yulisbeth Garcia said Monday.

Rescuers recovered the bodies at the Cuatro Esquinas mine in the town of El Callao after 168 hours of continuous search efforts, the official said on social media. The collapse, caused by heavy rains last week, had trapped 14 miners underground.

Garcia said the operation was a joint effort involving civil protection authorities, firefighters and miners "working in perfect popular-military coordination."

"To all the families of the victims, we extend our deepest condolences and full support," the governor said. ■