A Pakistani father and his son are part of a five-person crew on board a submarine that has been reported missing off the southeastern coast of Canada. The submarine was on a voyage to explore the remains of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a statement released by the family and reported by CNN.
Ships and Planes Conducting Extensive Search for Missing Submarine
The family expressed concern over the loss of contact with the submersible craft and the limited information available. Joint efforts by various government agencies and deep-sea companies are currently underway to reestablish contact with the submarine and ensure the safe return of the crew members.
In this challenging situation, the family appreciates the concern shown by colleagues and friends. They kindly request everyone to keep the crew’s safety in their prayers while granting the family privacy. The family assures that they are well-supported and are hopeful for the safe return of their loved ones, praying to Allah for their protection.
Shahzada Dawood, the vice chairman of Engro Corporation, one of Pakistan’s prominent conglomerates with investments in fertilizers, vehicle manufacturing, energy, and digital technologies, is among the crew members. He resides in Britain with his wife and two children, as per the website of the California-based research institute, SETI, where he serves as a trustee.
The search for the missing submarine is being carried out by ships and planes from the United States and Canada. The US Coast Guard has confirmed that there was one pilot and four passengers on board the submarine, which has the capability to stay submerged for up to 96 hours. However, it remains uncertain whether the submarine is still underwater or has resurfaced but is unable to establish communication.
Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard revealed that the search area, located approximately 900 miles (1,450 km) east of Cape Cod, is remote and poses challenges for conducting a thorough search. To aid the search efforts, sonar buoys capable of monitoring depths of up to 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) have been deployed.
Photographed earlier this month during a joint scientific and recovery expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel and RMS Titanic, the port bow railing of the Titanic can be seen at a depth of 12,600 feet of water, approximately 400 miles east of Nova Scotia. Scientists intend to illuminate and salvage this section of the legendary ocean liner later this month, as reported by Reuters.
Admiral Mauger emphasized the commitment to deploy all available assets to locate the missing submarine and rescue the crew members. Aircraft will continue to be deployed, and additional vessels will be mobilized as part of the ongoing search operation.
The US Coast Guard reported on Twitter that the submarine, named the Titan, lost contact with the surface vessel, the Polar Prince, approximately one hour and 45 minutes after beginning its dive towards the Titanic wreckage site on Sunday morning.
OceanGate, the organization overseeing the expedition, expressed deep gratitude for the extensive assistance received from government agencies and deep-sea companies in their endeavor to reestablish contact with the submersible.
Family members, including Harding’s stepson, took to social media to express their concerns and request thoughts and prayers. However, the stepson later removed the post out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Harding himself had previously posted on Facebook about his involvement in the expedition, but no further updates have been shared since then. The voyage commenced on Friday, and the first dive was scheduled for Sunday morning.
