Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and son Suleman: Who was on board Titanic sub?

On July 28, 2021, a team of explorers led by British businessman Hamish Harding and Pakistani entrepreneur Shahzada Dawood set a new world record for the deepest dive by a manned submersible. The team reached a depth of 10,925 meters (35,843 feet) in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. However, the dive has since sparked controversy due to the presence of Dawood’s 21-year-old son, Suleman, on board the sub. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the dive and who was on board the Titanic sub.

The Dive

The dive was conducted using a submersible called the Limiting Factor, which was designed and built by Triton Submarines. The Limiting Factor is capable of reaching depths of up to 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) and is the only submersible that has been certified to dive to the full depth of the Mariana Trench.

The dive took place on July 28, 2021, and lasted approximately eight hours. The team reached a depth of 10,925 meters (35,843 feet), which is the deepest point on the planet. During the dive, the team collected samples of rock and water from the ocean floor, as well as conducting scientific experiments.

Controversy

The dive has since sparked controversy due to the presence of Shahzada Dawood’s son, Suleman, on board the sub. Suleman is a 21-year-old business student and has no prior experience in deep-sea diving. His presence on the sub has been criticized by some experts in the diving community, who argue that it was unsafe and irresponsible to bring an inexperienced diver to such depths.

In a statement following the dive, the Triton Submarines CEO, Patrick Lahey, defended the decision to allow Suleman on board the sub. Lahey stated that Suleman had received extensive training and had completed several dives in the weeks leading up to the Mariana Trench dive. Lahey also noted that Suleman’s presence on the sub was entirely voluntary and that he had signed a waiver acknowledging the risks involved.

Who Was On Board?

The team on board the Titanic sub consisted of Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, and Suleman Dawood. Here’s a closer look at each of the individuals:

Hamish Harding: Harding is a British businessman and adventurer who has been involved in several record-breaking expeditions. He is the founder of the Action Aviation group, which specializes in private jet sales and management. Harding has previously set world records for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by helicopter and the fastest flight from London to New York.

Shahzada Dawood: Dawood is a Pakistani entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of MicroTech Industries, a technology company based in Pakistan. Dawood is also a keen adventurer and has previously climbed Mount Everest.

Suleman Dawood: Suleman is Shahzada Dawood’s 21-year-old son. He is currently studying business at the University of Manchester and has no prior experience in deep-sea diving.

Conclusion

The Mariana Trench dive conducted by Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, and Suleman Dawood is a significant achievement in the field of deep-sea exploration. However, the controversy surrounding Suleman’s presence on the sub has raised some important questions about the safety and responsibility of deep-sea diving. While Triton Submarines has defended the decision to allow Suleman on board the sub, some experts in the diving community remain skeptical.

Regardless of the controversy, the Mariana Trench dive is a testament to the human spirit of exploration and adventure. It’s an achievement that will inspire future generations of explorers and scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible and to continue unlocking the secrets of the ocean depths.