Family, friends and members of the public have paid tribute to Strathclyde University student Suleman Dawood, age 19, who lost his life on the Titan submarine.
The first-year Business student was on the vessel with his father Shahzada, 48, and three other people when it disappeared on Monday.
Authorities said on Thursday that all occupants of the submarine had lost their lives, after debris was found on the ocean floor.
Azmeh Dawood, Suleman’s aunt, told NBC News that the loss of her brother and nephew was “unreal”.
Suleman Dawood was one of five men on board the sub, which US officials say suffered a ‘catastrophic implosion’ while in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Canada.https://t.co/UdCRq8uhGS pic.twitter.com/uAnJrkHymJ
— STV News (@STVNews) June 23, 2023
“I personally have found it kind of difficult to breathe thinking of them. I never thought I would have an issue with drawing breath.”
She previously told the outlet that Suleman “wasn’t very up for” the journey, but that he had wanted to please his dad as the trip started on Father’s Day.
The Dawood Family and Foundation shared a statement on social media expressing their “profound grief” at the loss of Suleman and his father.
“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.
“The immense love and support we receive continues to help us endure this unimaginable loss.”
Suleman attended school in Surrey before starting his studies at Strathclyde.
His father Shahzada grew up in Pakistan, later attending the University of Buckingham for an undergraduate law degree.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, said: “Our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and the family of other passengers on the sad news about the fate of Titanic submersible in the North Atlantic.”
“We appreciate the multinational efforts over the last several days in search of the vessel.”
A Strathclyde volleyball teammate of Dawood’s mourned his loss, saying the team would “hold on to the memory of Suleman to drive us all forward as we know he would’ve liked us to.”
“He will be deeply missed as a person, friend, player and influence”.
The university’s Students’ Union expressed sadness at the loss of a “much loved member of the Strath Union.”
“His close friends and Volleyball teammates have described him as passionate about the things he loved, always working hard to improve and someone who never wanted to be the centre of attention.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Strathclyde University, said on Friday: “We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice Chancellor:
— University of Strathclyde (@UniStrathclyde) June 23, 2023
To the Strathclyde Community,
I am writing to you again following last night’s update from the US Coast Guard.
We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident. pic.twitter.com/NLWL57VUmw
“The entire Strathclyde community offers our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and all those affected by this terrible accident.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf expressed condolences for the student’s loss, saying: “I’m deeply saddened to hear this tragic news.
“Thinking of the families and friends of those who have died. I know Suleman’s friends and fellow students at Strathclyde University will be grief-stricken by today’s news.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
A digital book of condolences, hosted by Strathclyde Union, will soon be opened online.
“University Of Strathclyde” by adamwilson is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Inset image via Dawood Family and Foundation.