The 19-year-old who died on the Titan submersible had been ‘terrified’ at the thought of going on the expedition, his aunt has said.
Strathclyde University student Suleman Dawood was on the sub with his dad Shahzada Dawood; as well as British billionaire Hamish Harding; French maritime expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet and the CEO of OceanGate Stockton Rush.
The Titan went missing on Sunday (18 June) shortly after it set off to explore the wreck of the Titanic.
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Yesterday, the US Coast Guard said that debris had been found on the ocean floor that was consistent with a ‘catastrophic implosion’.
Rear Admiral John Mauger said during a press conference: “In consultation with experts from within the unified command, the debris is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber.
“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.”
Following the tragic news the Dawood family gave a statement to the BBC saying the horrific accident had brought out ‘the best and worst’ in people.
The said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy, one which has been followed around the world.
"As with any tragedy of this magnitude, it brings out the best and worst in people.
"Some go out of their way to contribute and support, others use these moments for personal gains. How one behaves in such circumstances reveals more about their own character than anything else.
"The family remains overwhelmed with the love and support that it has received and is grateful to the those who showcased the best in humanity.”
In an interview on Thursday - prior to the US Coast Guard’s update - Azmeh Dawood, the older sister of Shahzada and Suleman’s aunt, said her nephew had been apprehensive about going on the dive.
Speaking to NBC, she said Suleman had been ‘terrified’ and that he ‘wasn’t up for it’ but that he went along as it was Father’s Day and his dad was ‘absolutely obsessed’ with the Titanic.
Sharing the agonising experience she had been going through while waiting for news this week, she added: "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.
"I personally have found it kind of difficult to breathe thinking of them. I never thought I would have an issue with drawing breath. It's been unlike any experience I've ever had."
Claire Reid