Remembrance of the 5 Individuals Killed on Dive to Titanic Wreckage: Who Died on the Titan Submersible?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s statement on June 23, the five individuals who were on board the submersible, which authorities believe experienced an implosion near the Titanic wreckage, are presumed to have lost their lives.

Four days after the Titan went missing during its expedition to explore the Titanic wreckage, the statement was released, providing an update on the incident that occurred on Sunday, June 18.

Following the discovery of debris in the search area near the front of the sunken Titanic, the Coast Guard stated that it matched the characteristics of a “catastrophic implosion.”

Rear Adm. John Mauger of the Coast Guard expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families on June 22, representing the United States Coast Guard and the unified command. Acknowledging the unimaginable pain they must be experiencing, he hoped that the discovery would bring some comfort to them during this challenging period.

The individuals on board the Titan included CEO Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

OceanGate, the company that organizes private tours for exploring shipwrecks, released a statement on June 22 confirming that the individuals on the submarine have tragically passed away.

With the Coast Guard and OceanGate concluding that the five individuals on board the Titan have likely perished, their families and loved ones are now honoring their memory.

Stockton Rush, OceanGate Expeditions’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

On June 22, the company responsible for the mission issued a statement expressing their profound sadness over the loss of the five individuals. They extended their heartfelt condolences to their CEO and the families of those who tragically passed away.

OceanGate released a statement expressing their belief that their CEO, Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, have tragically passed away. They described these individuals as genuine explorers who possessed a remarkable sense of adventure and a profound dedication to exploring and safeguarding the world’s oceans. OceanGate conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the families of these five souls, acknowledging the sorrowful time they are enduring. The company mourned the loss of their lives and the happiness they brought to everyone who knew them.

The statement expressed that the current situation is filled with immense sadness for their hardworking staff members who are both physically and emotionally drained, experiencing profound sorrow due to this unfortunate incident.

“The OceanGate family expresses profound gratitude towards the numerous individuals from various international organizations who swiftly provided extensive resources and dedicated tremendous efforts to this mission. Their unwavering commitment to locating the five explorers and their relentless work day and night in support of our crew and their families is sincerely appreciated,” the statement continued. “The entire community of explorers is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and each family member of those lost at sea is affected. We kindly request that the privacy of these families be honored during this exceptionally painful period.”

Wendy Rush, the deceased spouse of the CEO, was the great-great-grandchild of Isidor and Ida Straus, a couple who held first-class tickets on the Titanic but selflessly surrendered their spots on lifeboats, ultimately perishing in the tragic event.

Hamish Harding, a wealthy British billionaire, who possesses ownership of Action Aviation

Harding’s family and Action Aviation Today also conveyed their sorrow in a statement to NBC News, expressing that he was a loving husband to his wife and a dedicated father to his two sons.

The statement commenced by expressing solidarity in sorrow with the other families who suffered the loss of their loved ones aboard the Titan submersible. Hamish Harding, the subject of the statement, was characterized as a devoted spouse to his wife and a committed father to his two cherished sons. Within the realm of Action Aviation, he served as a guiding force, an inspiration, an unwavering source of support, and an esteemed figure held in high regard. His uniqueness was revered, and he was deeply cherished. A fervent explorer, he fearlessly embraced any terrain, dedicating his life to his family, his business, and the pursuit of the next thrilling adventure.

The statement acknowledged the remarkable accomplishments that Hamish achieved throughout his lifetime, and amidst the tragedy, it provided a small consolation that he passed away while pursuing his passion. His absence will create an irreplaceable void in our lives, the statement acknowledged. The unity displayed by nations, experts, industry peers, and friends in joining forces for the search was something that Hamish would have taken immense pride in, and heartfelt gratitude was extended to all those involved. On behalf of the Harding family and Action Aviation, a respectful appeal for privacy was made during this exceptionally challenging period.

Paul-Henri Nargeolet, an expert diver from France

In a statement, Nargeolet’s family expressed profound grief, stating that their hearts are shattered due to his untimely passing.

“We were informed today (June 22) by the United States Coast Guard that our beloved Paul-Henri Nargeolet has tragically passed away as a result of a catastrophic incident aboard the Titan submersible. The loss of our exceptional father and husband has left our hearts shattered,” read the statement, shared by his stepson, John Nathaniel Paschall, with NBC News. “He will be forever remembered as one of the most remarkable deep-sea explorers in modern history. Whenever the Titanic and its extensive knowledge are brought to mind, Paul-Henri Nargeolet and his legendary contributions will undoubtedly come to the forefront.”

They further mentioned that the aspects they will hold most dearly in their memories of him are “his compassionate nature, his remarkable sense of humor, and the immense love he had for his family.”

“We will feel his absence today and in every moment for the remainder of our lives. During this period of mourning our beloved, we kindly request that our privacy be honored. We express heartfelt appreciation to all those who participated in the search and rescue efforts. Additionally, we offer our deepest condolences to the families of Stockton Rush, Hamish Harding, and Suleman and Shahzada Dawood,” concluded the statement.

Shahzada Dawood, a businessman from Pakistan, along with his 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood

The family of the father and son also expressed their deep sorrow while announcing the tragic demise of Suleman and Shahzada Dawood.

“In the unfortunate incident where OceanGate’s Titan submersible met its fate underwater, our cherished sons were among those on board. We humbly request your prayers for the departed souls and our grieving family during this challenging period,” stated the family in a statement issued by the Dawood Foundation.

The family expressed gratitude towards those who participated in the rescue operations, acknowledging their tireless and unwavering efforts that provided immense support and strength during this challenging period.

“We are profoundly grateful to our friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers from around the globe who have steadfastly supported us during this critical time. The overwhelming love and support we have received continue to provide solace as we navigate through this unimaginable loss,” expressed the statement, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the other individuals who were on board the Titan.

According to the Coast Guard, the investigation into the incident and the decision regarding the recovery of the victims will be determined by the United States, Canada, France, and Great Britain.