22-6-2023 (NORTH ATLANTIC) As the search and rescue efforts intensify for a private submersible that disappeared during an expedition to explore the remains of the Titanic, more details are emerging about the individuals on board. The vessel, operated by OceanGate, carried five passengers, each with their own unique background and motivations for embarking on this daring journey.
Hamish Harding
Among the confirmed passengers is Hamish Harding, a prominent British businessman and the chairman of Action Aviation. Action Aviation specializes in selling aircraft to esteemed clients such as Fortune 100 companies, international corporations, and even heads of state. Despite being referred to as a billionaire in the British press, Harding is not listed among Forbes’ richest individuals. In addition to his successful business endeavors, Harding is recognized for his adventurous spirit and holds several Guinness World Records. Notably, he achieved the “fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both the geographic poles” by airplane in 2019, completing the feat in just over 46 hours. Furthermore, he was part of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin mission to the edge of space in June of the previous year. Prior to the Titanic expedition, Harding acknowledged the risks involved in underwater explorations, having journeyed over two and a half miles below the surface of the Mariana Trench. Despite the dangers, Harding expressed his excitement for this potentially historic mission.
Shahzada Dawood & Suleman Dawood
Joining Harding on the submersible were Shahzada Dawood, a Pakistani businessman, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood. Shahzada Dawood, aged 48, serves as the vice chairman of Dawood Hercules, an investment and holding company based in Karachi. The Dawood Group, a family business spanning over a century, includes Dawood Hercules. As heir to one of Pakistan’s largest family fortunes, Shahzada Dawood resides in the U.K. with his wife and two children. He also holds a master’s degree in global textile marketing from Philadelphia University and a law degree from Buckingham University. Suleman Dawood, a science fiction enthusiast who enjoys solving Rubik’s Cubes and playing volleyball, accompanied his father on this extraordinary voyage.
Paul-Henri Nargeolet
Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French explorer, is renowned for his expertise on the Titanic. With six expeditions to the wreckage site under his belt, Nargeolet has earned the title of “Titanic’s Greatest Explorer.” He also serves as the director of underwater research for RMS Titanic, an American company that holds the salvage rights to the wreck and operates exhibitions featuring artifacts from the iconic ship. Nargeolet’s extensive experience and knowledge of the Titanic make him an invaluable asset to the mission.
Stockton Rush
Finally, Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, not only spearheaded the expedition but also piloted the submersible. Rush made aviation history at the age of 19 by becoming the youngest person to receive a jet transport-rated pilot certification. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from the Berkeley Haas School of Business. In 2009, Rush founded OceanGate and has since been responsible for the company’s financial and engineering strategies.
The journey to explore the Titanic wreckage was advertised by OceanGate as an extraordinary opportunity for participants to witness the iconic ship with their own eyes. Priced at $250,000 per seat, the expedition was not positioned as a mere tourist attraction, but rather as a scientific endeavor. However, as the search continues for the missing submersible, concerns and prayers for the safety of the passengers and crew are paramount. The families and colleagues of the individuals on board remain hopeful for their safe return as the search efforts persist.
