Rosalind Evans
Expressions of deep sorrow and poignant tributes have been flooding in, in the wake of the tragic loss of all five passengers aboard a Titanic-destined submersible, dubbed the Titan, which met a catastrophic end at the bottom of the ocean.
After an exhaustive international search lasting several days, the mission concluded on Thursday when debris from the Titan was discovered approximately 1,600 feet from the Titanic’s historical wreckage.
The casualties were Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, a Pakistani business tycoon and his son; British entrepreneur Hamish Harding; French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; and Stockton Rush, the CEO of the vessel’s operating company, OceanGate Expeditions.
Statements issued by the bereaved families, which included some of the world’s most distinguished adventurers and businesspeople, conveyed their gratitude towards the global community for their overwhelming show of love and support.
Condolences were also extended by the UK’s prime minister and foreign secretary after the revelation that three of the five victims, Harding and the Dawoods, were British citizens.
Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson stated: “His thoughts are very much with the loved ones of those who have died in this tragic incident, and they have been through an unimaginably difficult ordeal in the last few days,” further noting that the Foreign Office is actively providing support to the affected families.
James Cleverly affirmed that the UK government is fully committed to supporting the families of the British victims.
Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, The family of 48-year-old Shahzada Dawood and his son, 19-year-old Suleman, confirmed their deaths in a heartfelt statement issued.
“We announce with profound sorrow the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. Our dear sons were on board OceanGate’s Titan submersible that tragically met its end underwater,” the family shared on Twitter.
In this challenging time of mourning, they pleaded for continued prayers for the departed souls and their families.
The family extended their deep gratitude to those involved in the rescue operations for their tireless efforts, a beacon of strength for them during this time. They also expressed indebtedness towards their friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers from across the globe for standing by them in their darkest hour. The overwhelming support and love they received have been a source of solace in coping with their unimaginable loss.
They also shared their sincere condolences with the families of the other passengers on the submersible.
The British Asian Trust expressed deep grief over the loss of their supporter and his son on Friday.
The Dawood Foundation honoured Shahzada and Suleman with a post, stating, “We mourn the loss of our Trustee, Shahzada Dawood, and his beloved son Suleman Dawood with heavy hearts and immense sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dawood family in this tragic moment.”
The Dawoods, prominent members of a leading Pakistani business family and British citizens, were involved in a wide range of sectors through their company, Dawood Hercules Corp., including energy, petrochemicals, fertilizers, information technology, food, and agriculture.
Shahzada was also a vice-chairman of the Pakistani conglomerate Engro Corporation and a trustee of the SETI Institute in California, among other foundations.
The Telegraph reported that Dawood resided in Surbiton, southwest London with his son, wife Christine, and daughter Alina.
Hamish Harding Dubai-based Action Aviation, owned by British entrepreneur Harding, shared a statement from his family.
The statement announced the tragic loss of 58-year-old Harding, a veteran of numerous extreme expeditions, a trained jet pilot based in the United Arab Emirates, a devoted husband to his wife, and a dedicated father to his two sons.
The statement also honoured Harding’s contributions to his Action Aviation team, describing him as a mentor, an inspiration, a support system, and a living legend.
Paul-Henri Nargeolet A heartrending statement was issued by the grieving family of French diver Nargeolet, eulogizing him as an extraordinary husband and father and one of the greatest deep-sea explorers in modern history.
Stockton Rush A tribute was paid to Rush, the CEO of the Titan’s operator, OceanGate, and pilot Nargeolet by the company, who hailed them as genuine explorers with a distinct spirit of adventure and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans.
As those mourning their loved ones continue to grieve on the surface, the search for answers persists on the ocean floor.
Investigations are underway to examine the area around 13,000 feet deep in the North Atlantic Ocean for insights into the implosion of the submersible, which abruptly lost communication with its mother ship, the Polar Prince, over the weekend.
The international search mission concluded on Thursday after the Titan’s debris was located close to the Titanic’s historic wreckage.
US Coast Guard Rear Adm. John Mauger announced that military experts confirmed the debris was consistent with a catastrophic loss of the vessel’s pressure chamber.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the global community, highlighting the risks faced by those who dare to explore the world’s last frontier – the deep sea. As the families mourn their loved ones, their losses remind us of the inherent dangers of pushing the boundaries of human exploration. With the wreckage offering few clues, it is a stark reminder of the vast and unfathomable mysteries that the ocean continues to hold. As the world mourns, the spirit of adventure reminds us of the risks and rewards of exploring the unknown.
