The Dawood family, one of Pakistan’s most prominent business families, lost two members in a tragic undersea accident. Shahzada Dawood, the vice-chairman of Engro Corporation, and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood were among the passengers of the Titan submersible that perished in the North Atlantic while exploring the wreck of the Titanic.
The family has released a statement on Facebook, expressing their grief and gratitude to those who have helped and supported them during this difficult time. They have also extended their condolences to the families of the other accident victims, which has drawn global attention.
The statement reads:
“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 pray for the departed souls and our families during this challenging time.
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 worldwide who have stood by us during our hour of need. Our immense love and support continue to help us endure this unimaginable loss.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submersible. We cannot 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 family also reflected on how such tragedies reveal people’s true character, saying that some go out of their way to contribute and support. In contrast, others use these moments for personal gains. They thanked those who showcased the best in humanity and said they were overwhelmed by the love and support they received.
The accident occurred on June 21, when the Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, suffered a catastrophic failure while descending to the Titanic site. The submersible carried five people, including two crew members and three mission specialists. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, killing over 1,500 people. It remains one of history’s most famous maritime disasters and has inspired numerous books, films, and documentaries. The wreck was discovered in 1985 and has attracted many explorers and tourists.
Engro Corporation, led by Vice-Chairman Shahzada Dawood, is a major Pakistani conglomerate with interests in fertilizers, foods, energy, petrochemicals, and infrastructure. The company expressed sorrow for the loss of its vice-chairman and his son in a statement.
“With heavy hearts and great sadness, we grieve the loss of our vice-chairman, Shahzada Dawood, and his beloved son, Suleman Dawood,” it said.
The news of their demise prompted TV stations to interrupt their regular broadcasts, highlighting the significance of the individuals involved. Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman were known figures within the business community.
The Pakistani foreign ministry also expressed condolences to the Dawood family. They contacted the relevant authorities to facilitate the repatriation of their remains.
The Dawood family has requested privacy and prayers as they mourn their loss. They have also asked for messages of support and condolences instead of calls. They will announce the details of their final rites soon.
