Friends and family of Paul-Henri Nargeolet have described feeling devastated after the US Coast Guard confirmed there were no survivors aboard the Titan submersible.
A renowned Titanic expert, a world record-holding adventurer, two members of one of Pakistan’s wealthiest families and the Chief Executive of the company leading an expedition to the world’s most famous shipwreck were killed aboard the submersible when it imploded in the Atlantic Ocean.
Today it emerged that just hours before the announcement of their deaths Mr Nargeolet’s daughter voiced the hope that her father would be found alive.
Sidonie Nargeolet, speaking to Tele Loisir, said: “My father took part in the first expedition on the Titanic at the end of the 1980s and it’s been his greatest passion ever since.
“So the fact that he’s in a submarine and that he’s (close to) the Titanic appeals to him.”
As rescuers continued their search, Ms Nargeolet said: “I hope that there will be a good outcome and that they will find him. But in any case, he’s happy where he is. And that’s comforting.”
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Mr Nargeolet’s family released a statement after his death, saying he will be remembered as “one of the greatest deep-sea explorers in modern history”.
The statement added: “When you think of the Titanic and all we know about the ship today, you will think of Paul-Henri Nargeolet and his legendary work.
“But what we will remember him most for is his big heart, his incredible sense of humour and how much he loved his family.
“We will miss him today and every day for the rest of our lives.”
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Mathieu Johann, a friend of Mr Nargeolet, told Europe 1: “Hearing the news and thinking that he wasn’t going to reply to my last message… it was devastating.
“Paul-Henri and I had lots of plans. We still had lots of moments to share. Paul-Henri died a hero and a great explorer, a great witness to history.
“I would never have imagined that his life would end up against this giant of the seas. That’s incredible.
“What I am certain of is that Paul-Henri – with his experience, his explorer’s intuition – would have never risked his life and especially the lives of others. At no time, it’s obvious to us.”
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RMS Titanic Inc. posted a tribute on Twitter which described Mr Nargeolet as a “precious member” of the wreck’s “family”.
It added that his knowledge of the wreck was unparalleled.
Suleman Dawood, 19, a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, was also on board the vessel with his father Shahzada Dawood.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university, said: “We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident.
“The entire Strathclyde community offers our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and all those affected by this terrible accident.
“Our student wellbeing team remains on hand to offer appropriate support to Suleman’s classmates and the wider Strathclyde community at this difficult time.”
The Dawood family released a statement on Thursday night, mourning the loss of the father and son.
“Please continue to keep the departed souls of our family in your prayers during this difficult period of mourning.
The family statement said they are truly grateful to those involved in the rescue operations and their “untiring efforts” brought strength to the family.
The statement said: “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.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers onboard the Titan submersible.”
Chief Executive of OceanGate Expeditions, Stockton Rush, and British billionaire Hamish Harding were also onboard the Titan.
Mike Reiss, a writer and producer of The Simpsons, described Rush as a “magnetic man” who is “the last of the great American dreamers”, the New York Times reported.
Mr Reiss, who went on a Titanic dive in a different OceanGate submersible with Mr Rush, also compared him to business magnates Henry Ford and the Wright brothers.
In a short statement, his family said: “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.”
Mr Harding was remembered by friend Richard Garriot de Cayeux, who is the president of the Explorers Club, which Mr Harding helped found.
In a statement, Mr Garriot de Cayeux said: “Hamish Harding is a dear friend to me personally and to The Explorers Club.
“He holds several world records and has continued to push dragons off maps both in person and through supporting expeditions and worthy causes.”
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.
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