The family of the Scots student killed on the Titanic submersible have paid tribute to him after the US Coast Guard confirmed that all five people onboard had been killed after the vessel imploded.
Strathclyde University student Suleman Dawood, 19, was one of the five passengers on the sub, which also included his father. The Titan sub was taking the group to visit the wreck of the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean before tragedy struck.
The family's charity, the Dawood Foundation, paid tribute to their 'beloved sons' on Facebook following yesterday's announcement.
Thanking everyone involved in the attempted rescue effort, they paid tribute to those who had supported them since the beginning of the incident.
They wrote: "It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. 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. 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.
"The immense love and support we receive continues to help us to endure this unimaginable loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible.
"At this time, we are unable to receive calls and request that support, condolences, and prayers be messaged instead. Details of their final rites in this world will be announced soon."
The University of Strathclyde also paid tribute to Suleman, saying: “The staff and students of Strathclyde have been shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident. The entire university community offers our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and all of those affected by this terrible accident.
“Our student wellbeing team is on hand to offer appropriate support to Suleman’s Strathclyde classmates and the wider community at this difficult time.”
His aunt said that that Suleman had been nervous about boarding the vessel and only agreed to go on the trip with his dad because it was Father's Day.
His aunt Azmeh Dawood said the teen was 'terrified' but did not want to disappoint his dad, Shahzada, who had been obsessed with the Titanic wreckage since childhood.
The Dawood Foundation is not for profit organisation based in Pakistan and since its inception in the 1960s has helped to establish various education institutions across the country.
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