RUDA SLASKA, Poland (AP) -- The bodies of all 17 men trapped underground after a mine explosion in southern Poland have been found, bringing the death toll to 23 in the country's worst mining disaster in three decades, the mining company said.

President Lech Kaczynski declared three days of mourning after the last of the victims were found following an arduous 38-hour search more than 3,000 feet below ground.

The men, aged between 21 and 59, were killed by a methane gas explosion Tuesday at the Halemba coal mine in the economically depressed region of Silesia in southern Poland. There were no survivors, and rescue officials said all probably perished in the initial blast. "This brings to an end this very sad day," Zbigniew Madej, spokesman for the state-run Coal Co., said at the scene. "Nobody has a sense of relief, but rather a great weight on their heart."

Mourners, including many victim's families, prayed and lit candles at an impromptu shrine at the entrance to the mine complex. Many gathered around a list of the victims posted by the company.