Confirmation of the Sinking Titan’s Demise Brings Relief to Families
The families of the victims involved in the Titan submarine tragedy paid tribute to the deceased.
British billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding has been described as a “guide, inspiration, support and living legend” following news of his death on Thursday.
The US Coast Guard confirmed the discovery of the tail cone of the deep-sea vessel about 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the bow of the Titanic wreck during a news conference in Boston.
Admiral John Mauger said more wreckage had been found in the North Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland, which was “consistent with the catastrophic loss of the airlock.”
Its pilot and CEO Stockton Rush – along with Harding and fellow British citizens Shahzada Daoud and his 19-year-old son Suleiman Daoud, and French citizen Paul-Henri Nargolet – were “unfortunately lost,” OceanGate Expeditions said.
In a short statement, Harding’s family said: “He was one of a kind and we lived it up.
“He was an avid explorer – whatever the terrain – who lived his life for his family, his work and the next adventure.
“What he’s achieved in his life has been truly remarkable, and if we can take any small solace from this tragedy, it’s that we lost him doing what he loves.”
Harding’s family said his death left “a hole in our lives that can never be filled,” and that they are “united in grief” with the families of others who have perished.
“We know Hamish would have been very proud to see how countries, experts, industry colleagues and friends came together for the research, and we are very thankful for all their efforts,” they said.
Shehzadeh Dawood honored him and his son after their death.
‘Our thoughts and prayers’
Ingrow Foundation, the Pakistani conglomerate of which Dawood was Vice-Chairman, said in a statement: “With heavy hearts and great sadness, we mourn the loss of our Vice-Chairman Shehzada Daoud and his beloved son, Suleiman Dawood.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dawood family at this tragic time.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, colleagues, friends and all those around the world who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Admiral Mauger said there did not appear to be any connection between the underwater noise detected during the search and rescue mission and the location of the wreck on the sea floor.
“That was a catastrophic explosion for the ship that would have generated a big booming sound down there that would have been picked up by the sonar buoys,” he said.
Marine expert Paul Hankin said five large pieces of debris helped identify them from the Titan sub – including the ship’s bow cone and the forward end bell of the pressure hull.
According to court documents, a former OceanGate employee had raised safety concerns about the Titan submarine.
The filings said David Luchridge, OceanGate’s former director of marine operations, alleged unfair dismissal after reporting concerns about the company’s “purported refusal to conduct critical, non-destructive testing of the experimental design.”
Court papers indicate that Luckridge “identified several issues that raise serious safety concerns” but was allegedly “met with hostility and denied access” to necessary documents before he was later fired.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly described the update as “tragic news” and said the UK government was closely supporting affected British families.
The White House said the families of those who died “have gone through a terrible ordeal over the past few days, and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.”