Uni student, 19, who died on Titanic sub was 'terrified' about trip but went to please dad Shahzada Dawood, aunt claims | The Sun
THE university student killed in the Titan sub tragedy was “terrified” about the trip, his aunt has revealed.
Suleman Dawood, 19, and his dad, Pakistani businessman Shahzada were two of the five people who were killed instantly when the OceanGate submersible suffered a “catastrophic implosion” 1,600ft from the Titanic wreckage, according to the US Coast Guard.
The others who lost their lives were British billionaire Hamish Harding, OceanGate boss Stockton Rush and French Navy veteran Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
A large-scale search was launched for those on board after the Titan disappeared on Sunday.
Azmeh Dawood, the older sister of Mr Dawood, the vice-chairman of Engro Corporation, said her nephew “wasn't very up for it” but added he had felt compelled to please his dad, who was passionate about the Titanic which sunk on April 14, 1912.
Speaking from her home in Amsterdam, she told NBC News: “I am thinking of Suleman, who is 19, in there, just perhaps gasping for breath… It's been crippling, to be honest.”
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Azmeh added: “I feel disbelief. It's an unreal situation.”
She continued: “I feel like I've been caught in a really bad film, with a countdown, but you didn't know what you're counting down to.”
Azmeh admitted she “personally found it kind of difficult to breathe thinking of them,” saying: “It's been unlike any experience I've ever had”.
She added that she would have never gotten on the submersible, even if someone had given her a million dollars.
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Her comments come after US Coast Guard spokesman Rear Admiral John Mauger said the debris found was “consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber”.
He added: "Upon this determination, we immediately notified the families.
"On behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences to the families. I can only imagine what this has been like for them.
"And I hope that this discovery provides some solace during this difficult time."
Those onboard would have been killed instantly by the implosion, according to experts.
Mr Dawood and his family, who lived in Surrey, were heirs to the Dawood business dynasty and among the richest people in Pakistan.
Suleman was a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
Before the teenager’s death, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice Chancellor, posted: “I write to you with a heavy heart to share the news that one of our students, Suleman Dawood, is a passenger on board the submersible that is missing in the North Atlantic.
“We are deeply concerned about Suleman, his father and the others involved in this incident. I know you will join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to their families and loved ones.”
Suleman was described as “a big fan of science fiction literature and learning new things,” in a family statement issued earlier this week.
The family, including his mum Christine and sister Alina, had been spending a month in Canada before the dive.
A statement issued by the Dawood family on Twitter tonight said: “it is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood.
“Our beloved sons were aboard OceanGate's Titan submersible that perished underwater.
“Please continue to keep the departed souls and our family in your prayers during this difficult period of mourning.
“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 all over 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.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible.
“At this time, we are unable to receive calls and request that support, condolences, and prayers be messaged instead. Details of their final rites in this world will be announced soon.”
Azmeh, who had been diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2014 and had been “reduced to being in a wheelchair,” said she had fallen out of touch with her brother in recent years.
She moved from England to Amsterdam in order to get easier access to medical cannabis, something her family members, including her brother, frowned upon.
However, learning of the tragic news, she had been reminded of her love for her brother.
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She said: “'He was my baby brother, I held him up when he was born.”
Azmeh described Suleman as “thoroughly good-hearted,” adding she had always felt close to him.
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