The family of the father and son whodied in theTitansubmersibleare paying a heartfelt tribute to their loved ones.
In a moving homage toShahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19,the family said in a statement Friday that they “mourn the tragic loss” with “profound sorrow” and went on to praise the close bond between the pair.
The relationship between Pakistani-British businessman Shahzada and university student Suleman “was a joy to behold; they were each other’s greatest supporters and cherished a shared passion for adventure and exploration of all the world had to offer them,” the statement issued to PEOPLE read.
DAWOOD HERCULES CORPORATION/AFP via Getty Images
The father and son leave behind Christine (wife and mother) and Alina (daughter and sister). The tribute painted a picture of a family that was “affectionate with each other, would often cook together, and had very philosophical conversations about life,”
Shahzada and Suleman were among five passengers onboard the ‘Titan’.JOEL SAGET,HANDOUT/Dirty Dozen Productions/OceanGat/AFP via Getty Images
JOEL SAGET,HANDOUT/Dirty Dozen Productions/OceanGat/AFP via Getty Images
“At the center of this family was Christine, who held them all together like glue, having fully devoted herself to these wonderful individuals whom she fiercely loved and protected,” the statement continued.
Shahzada and Suleman were amongfive victimswho perished as theTitandived to view the wreck of theTitanicon June 18. The three other passengers were OceanGate CEOStockton Rush, British billionaire and pilotHamish Hardingand retired diver andTitanicexpertPaul-Henri Nargeolet.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed in a press conference Thursday that adebris field was found near the wreckageof the famous liner. They said that the debris found was consistent with the catastrophic loss of pressure in the Titan chamber.
HANDOUT/DAWOOD HERCULES CORPORATION/AFP
Shortly before the press conference, OceanGate said in a statement that the five men had"sadly been lost."
“In this unfathomable tragedy, we try to find solace in the enduring legacy of humility and humanity that they have left behind and find comfort in the belief that they passed on to the next leg of their spiritual journey hand-in-hand, father and son,” the statement continued.
“The relationship between Shahzada and Suleman was a joy to behold; they were each other’s greatest supporters and cherished a shared passion for adventure and exploration of all the world had to offer them. This unwavering curiosity built the foundation for a close friendship between the two and inspired those around them to develop a similar passion for learning. By being as they were with one another, they embodied valuable lessons on the pursuit of knowledge, exploration of the unknown, and bonds of familial friendship.”
Speaking about the father of the family, it added that “Family values are a guiding beacon for the Dawood family and Shahzada always strived to emulate these, teaching his children to do the same."
Paul-Henri Nargeolet; Hamish Harding; Stockton Rush; Suleman Dawood; Shahzada Dawood.JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images; Alamy; HANDOUT/OceanGate Expeditions/AFP via Getty Images; HANDOUT/DAWOOD HERCULES CORPORATION/AFP via Getty Images (2)
JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images; Alamy; HANDOUT/OceanGate Expeditions/AFP via Getty Images; HANDOUT/DAWOOD HERCULES CORPORATION/AFP via Getty Images (2)
“He was passionate about philanthropy and giving back because above all, he cared deeply about people and human development,” it added. “He was an avid gardener and photographer, always on the lookout for technology and tools that would help him improve; these hobbies were an extension of his passion to better himself.”
Suleman, who was a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, was honored for being “much like his father” and described as “also deeply committed to serve.”
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An OceanGate submersible.Ocean Gate / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Ocean Gate / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
“They were affectionate with each other, would often cook together, and had very philosophical conversations about life. At the center of this family was Christine, who held them all together like glue, having fully devoted herself to these wonderful individuals whom she fiercely loved and protected.”
The family statement ended with an appeal for privacy as they mourn their loss. “During this tragic time, we ask everyone to respect the sentiments and privacy of the bereaved family as they come to terms with the loss of two of their dearest members.”
TitanicdirectorJames Cameronsaid he"felt in my bones"that the sub had been lost soon after it was reported that it had gone missing during aninterview with the BBCon Thursday.
source: people.com
