In 2011 Franklin published a book about the 2010 Copiapó mining accident called "33 Men: Inside the Miraculous Survival and Dramatic Rescue of the Chilean Miners". During the accident, he reported extensively from the San Jose mine for "The Guardian" and "The Washington Post". Franklin's experiences and insider accounts became the basis of a "60 Minutes" TV program about the miners, an article in "People" magazine, and a series of audio lectures on the BBC. Franklin says, "While 2,000 journalists were locked behind police lines, my 'Rescue Team' pass enabled me to experience up close the final six weeks of this miracle rescue. It was my honor to watch the drama unfold in its many moments of beauty and courage and comedy; and to see, first-hand, the profound unity that made this operation succeed." The book was translated into 19 languages and was briefly a best seller in both the United States and England.