The family of the British-Pakistani father and son among the five people who died on the Titanic tourist submersible has expressed “profound grief” at their loss.
Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman, 19, are members of the Dawood dynasty, owners of an industrial empire that is one of the most profitable in Pakistan.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible,” the statement read, signed by Hussain and Kulsum Dawood, Shahzada’s parents.
“We are truly grateful to all those involved in the rescue operations. Their untiring efforts were a source of strength for us during this time.”
Hussain Dawood is one of Pakistan’s richest men and head of the Engro Corporation which has an array of interests in energy, agriculture, petrochemicals and telecommunications.
At the end of 2022, the firm posted revenue of 350 billion rupees ($1.2 billion).
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In a statement, Engro said it was mourning Shahzada — who served as vice-chairman — and “his beloved son” Suleman “with heavy hearts and great sadness”.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, friends, and all those around the world who grieve this unthinkable loss.”
Azmeh Dawood, the aunt to the British university student, Suleman, who was killed in the tragic Titanic submarine ‘implosion,’ has revealed he was ‘terrified’ about the trip.
Suleman, 19, and his dad, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, were two of the five passengers on the OceanGate submersible, that suffered a ‘catastrophic implosion’ just 1,600ft from the bow of the Titanic.
According to Azmeh, Suleman, ‘wasn’t feeling up to it’ but joined the crew to impress his father and celebrate Father’s Day with him.
“It is with great sadness that we learned of the loss of our dear friend,” said CEO Bill Diamond in a statement.
“Shahzada was passionately curious and an enthusiastic supporter of the SETI Institute and our mission, being directly involved in philanthropic programs in education, research and public outreach.”
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the statement added.
Shahzada also served as a trustee of the California-based Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, which looks for evidence of alien life.
OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, French Navy veteran Paul-Henri (PH) Nargeolet, and British billionaire Hamish Harding are among the five victims that perished on the trip.
Speaking with NBC News, Azmeh said: “I am thinking of Suleman, who is 19, in there, just perhaps gasping for breath… It’s been crippling, to be honest.”
