Tributes have poured in for the five individuals tragically killed in the devastating incident involving the Titan submersible’s ill-fated dive to the Titanic.
The long and arduous search finally ended when a robotic diving vehicle deployed from a Canadian vessel discovered remnants of the Titan on the seabed, approximately 1,600 feet away from the Titanic’s bow.
Coast Guard officials confirmed that among the debris field, consisting of major fragments of the 22-foot Titan, such as the tail cone and sections of the pressure hull, there were signs of a catastrophic implosion.
OceanGate Expeditions, the US-based company operating the ill-fated submersible, recognized the passengers aboard the Titan as true explorers with an unwavering spirit of adventure and a profound dedication to exploring and protecting the world’s oceans.
The company mourned the loss of life and celebrated the joy these individuals brought to all who knew them. Paying tribute to their CEO and co-founder and the other passengers, the company said: “These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans. Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew.”
The family of Hamish Harding, a British billionaire adventurer, lovingly remembered him as a devoted father and an exceptional figure, revered for his guidance, inspiration, and support. In their statement, they acknowledged his unparalleled passion for exploration and expressed that his life was dedicated to his family, business, and the pursuit of new adventures. They found solace in the fact that he lost his life while engaged in his greatest passion.
“Today, we are united in grief with the other families who have also lost their loved ones on the Titan submersible,” his family and Action Aviation, the global sales company he was the chairman of, shared in a statement to PEOPLE. “Hamish Harding was a loving husband to his wife and a dedicated father to his two sons, whom he loved deeply. To his team in Action Aviation, he was a guide, an inspiration, a support, and a Living Legend.”
They continued that the 58-year-old “lived his life for his family” and for “the next adventure.”
The family of Pakistani-born businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, aged 19, conveyed their profound grief and expressed deep gratitude towards all those involved in the rescue efforts. They found strength in the tireless dedication displayed by the rescuers during this unimaginable loss. The Dawood family announced that details of the final rites would be shared soon. Messages of condolences poured in from various sources, including the UK government, Pakistani officials, and friends of the deceased.
The impact of Shahzada Dawood’s contributions as the vice-chair of Engro Corporation, Pakistan’s largest conglomerate, was acknowledged. “Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy, one which has been followed around the world,” they said in a statement to the BBC. “As with any tragedy of this magnitude, it brings out the best and worst in people.”Some go out of their way to contribute and support, others use these moments for personal gains. How one behaves in such circumstances reveals more about their own character than anything else.”
The maritime community shared a tribute to Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a renowned deep-sea explorer and longtime employee of RMS Titanic. Nargeolet’s colleagues and friends spoke of his undying passion for deep-sea exploration, recounting his expertise in the field and the profound impact he had on others. “When you think of the Titanic and all we know about the ship today, you will think of Paul-Henri Nargeolet and his legendary work. But what we will remember him most for is his big heart, his incredible sense of humor and how much he loved his family.”
“We will miss him today and every day for the rest of our lives.” the statement concluded. Their loved ones, along with the global community, mourn their untimely deaths and are united in grief. The world will forever cherish their contributions and remember their spirits of adventure and dedication to the exploration of our planet’s mysteries.
