The university student who tragically lost his life in the Titanic submarine’s catastrophic implosion had expressed deep fear and apprehension about the trip.
According to his bereaved aunt, Suleman Dawood, who was only 19, decided to join the crew to please his father on Father’s day, despite his overwhelming fear.
It was earlier reported that Suleman and his father, Shahzada Dawood, a Pakistani businessman, were among the five victims killed when the OceanGate submersible experienced a devastating implosion during their journey to witness the Titanic ship’s wreckage, located about 39,000 feet below sea level.
According to Azmeh Dawood, the elder sister of Mr. Dawood, who serves as the vice chairman of Engro Corporation, her nephew wasn’t ‘really up for the trip’ but felt compelled to please his father, who was very passionate about the historic 1912 shipwreck.
Speaking with NBC News from her home in Amsterdam, Azmeh said,
“I am thinking of Suleman, who is 19, in there, just perhaps gasping for breath … It’s been crippling, to be honest.
“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 found it kind of difficult to breathe thinking of them. It’s been unlike any experience I’ve ever had”.
She also admitted that she would not have gotten on the Titan submersible if she was given a million dollars.
Suleman was a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow before his tragic passing.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and 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.”
