Tributes are being paid to the three British citizens among five men who died after the Titan sub suffered a “catastrophic implosion”.
The family of British billionaire Hamish Harding have described him as “a guide, an inspiration, a support and a living legend” after the company behind the voyage said those on board “have sadly been lost”.
In a statement, the 58-year-old’s relatives said they are “united in grief with the other families who have also lost their loved ones” – and he will be remembered as a loving husband and a dedicated father.
They added: “He was one of a kind and we adored him. He was a passionate explorer – whatever the terrain – who lived his life for his family, his business and for the next adventure.
“What he achieved in his lifetime was truly remarkable and if we can take any small consolation from this tragedy, it’s that we lost him doing what he loved.”
Just some of Mr Harding’s accomplishments included earning a Guinness world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the Earth via the North and South Poles by an aircraft.
The adventurer also holds the world record for the longest duration at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel, accompanied Buzz Aldrin to the South Pole, and took part in a human space flight.
Mr Harding’s family said “he will leave a gap in our lives that can never be filled” – but added that the extensive search and rescue effort would have made him proud.
Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman
Relatives of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood – the other two British citizens onboard – have also released a statement.
The father and son were members of one of Pakistan’s most prominent families – and a “difficult period of mourning has begun”.
Their loved ones said: “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.
“We are also indebted to our friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers from around the world who have stood by us during our hour of need. The immense love and support we receive continues to help us to endure this unimaginable loss.”
The Titan sub got into difficulty while on its third voyage to the Titanic wreck – and OceanGate, which organised the expedition, confirmed the fatalities earlier on Thursday.
A statement from 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.”
OceanGate added that its employees were “exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss” – describing it as “a very sad time for the entire explorer community”.
