Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |
The US authorities confirmed that OceanGate's Titan submersible suffered a "catastrophic implosion" (a violent collapse inwards), instantly killing all five passengers on board reached to the conclusions by investigating a debris field located in the North Atlantic on Sunday June 18,2023.
According to the US Navy, the deep-water vessel detected sounds "consistent with an implosion" shortly after the sub lost contact on Sunday during a descent to the Titanic wreck at 3,800m (12,467ft) below sea level but the information made public on Thursday after a huge search mission in the area off Canada's Newfoundland province.
The Titan crew members killed were Pakistani Shahzada (48) and Suleman Dawood (19), British businessman Hamish Harding; French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; and Stockton Rush, the CEO of the vessel’s operator, OceanGate Expeditions.
Pakistani Dawood carrying British citizenship was among the richest businessman. Dawood Hercules Corp., their business, is among the largest corporations in the country, with a portfolio spanning energy, petrochemicals, fertilizers, information technology, food and agriculture.
Dawood was living with his wife, Christine, his son Suleman, and daughter Alina, in Surbiton, south-west London. The family was spending a month in Canada prior to the dive.
Shehzada completed his studies in Philadelphia, US and graduated from the university of Buckingham, England in 1998.
“He was interested in exploring different natural habitat, and had previously spoken at both the United Nations and Oxford Union” said Shehzada’s family.
Shahzada was a vice-chairman of Pakistani conglomerate Engro Corporation, a large fertilizer firm, worked with his family's Dawood Foundation, as well as the SETI Institute, a California-based research organization which searches for extra-terrestrial life.
Shahzada was supporting two charities, the British Asian Trust and the Prince's Trust International founded by King Charles III.
The British Asian Trust expressed its sorrow on Friday saying, it is “deeply saddened” by the death of its supporter and his son.
The chief executive officer of Prince's Trust International, said he was "deeply saddened by this terrible news".
Dawood Foundation shared a photo of Shahzada and Suleman with the statement: “With heavy hearts and great sadness, we grieve the loss of our Trustee, Shahzada Dawood, and his beloved son Suleman Dawood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dawood family at this tragic time.”
“Shahzada was a wonderful and generous man who supported our work in South Asia for many years, while his son was just emerging into adulthood with a promising future ahead,” read the statement.
On the other hand, Suleman his son was just 19 who recently completed his first year at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. The young boy was a "big fan of science fiction literature and learning new things", and having an interest in Rubik's cubes and playing volleyball.
Salman felt "terrified" about the trip, but wanted to please his dad said Suleman’s aunt to the NBC News.
Suleman’s university released a statement saying it was “shocked and profoundly saddened” by the tragic incident.
“The entire Strathclyde community offers our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and all those affected by this terrible accident,” added the University of Strathclyde.
Salman’s former Surrey school, ACS International School Cobham, described him a “remarkable young man”, saying his “compelling enthusiasm” could fill a room.
Families of the ex-pupil issued statements about their loved ones – who were among some of the world’s most prominent adventurers and business owners - while expressed thanks to the international community for their “immense love and support.”
The plight of Suleman and his fellow passengers had been raised at First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish first Minister Humza Yousaf said: "My thoughts are very much with the families and the communities that are affected."
