This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65955554

The article has changed 35 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 15 Version 16
Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and son Suleman: Who is on board Titanic sub? Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and son Suleman: Who is on board Titanic sub?
(about 1 hour later)
Watch: In 2022, the BBC filmed inside the Titanic sub with the company's boss Stockton Rush
Watch: In 2022, the BBC filmed inside the Titanic sub with the company's boss Stockton Rush
Search teams are in a race against time to find a submersible that went missing during a dive to the Titanic's wreck on Sunday.Search teams are in a race against time to find a submersible that went missing during a dive to the Titanic's wreck on Sunday.
Details are still emerging. Here's what we know so far about the five who are on board: Contact with the small sub was lost about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive in the mid-Atlantic.
A massive search operation being run from Boston, Massachusetts, is attempting to locate the vessel and the five people on board.
Here is what we know about them.
Hamish HardingHamish Harding
Hamish Harding has flown to space and visited the South PoleHamish Harding has flown to space and visited the South Pole
The 58-year-old is chairman of aircraft firm Action Aviation and a renowned explorer who has flown to space and holds three Guinness World Records. The 58-year-old runs Action Aviation, a Dubai-based private jet dealership, and has completed several exploration feats.
For Mr Harding, a private jet dealer and chair of the Middle East chapter of the Explorers Club, the trip to Titanic's wreckage was the latest in a string of adventures. He has visited the South Pole multiple times - once with former astronaut Buzz Aldrin - and flew into space in 2022 on board Blue Origin's fifth human-crewed flight.
He has visited the South Pole multiple times - once with former US astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and flew into space in 2022 on board Blue Origin's fifth human-crewed flight. He holds three Guinness World Records, including longest time spent at full ocean depth during a dive to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench.
His three world records include the longest time spent at full ocean depth during a dive to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench. In summer 2022, he told Business Aviation Magazine that he grew up in Hong Kong, qualified as a pilot in the mid-1980s while studying at Cambridge, and set up his aircraft firm after making money in banking software.
In summer 2022, he told Business Aviation Magazine that he grew up in Hong Kong and qualified as a pilot in the mid-1980s while studying at Cambridge. He also said the Titanic dive was meant to take place in June 2022 but was delayed because "the submersible was unfortunately damaged on its previous dive". He said no one was injured in the incident.
He made money in banking software in the 1990s and set up his aircraft business, which is based in Dubai, in 2004. Asked about his appetite for exploration, he said: "My view is that these are all calculated risks and are well understood before we start."
Mr Harding told the magazine the Titanic dive was meant to take place in June 2022 but was delayed because "the submersible was unfortunately damaged on its previous dive". He said no one was injured in the incident. LIVE: Search for missing Titanic sub expanded into deeper waters
Asked about his appetite for exploration, he said: "My view is that these are all calculated risks and are well understood before we start. I should add that I do not go out seeking these opportunities, people tend to bring them to me and I keep saying 'yes'." Titanic tourist submersible: Rescuers scan ocean as clock ticks
Last weekend, Mr Harding said on social media that a ship had set off from the city of St John's, in Newfoundland, Canada, for the destination of the Titanic wreck. What we know about the search for the OceanGate submersible
From there, he and the crew were planning to start diving operations in the submersible down to the wreck at around 04:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday morning. The search for the missing Titanic sub and how it might be rescued
He wrote on Facebook he was "proud to finally announce" he would be aboard the mission to the wreck of the Titanic, and Action Aviation said on Sunday Mr Harding was "currently diving". Last weekend, Mr Harding said on social media that the ship carrying the submersible had set off.
He wrote on Facebook he was "proud to finally announce" the Titanic mission was going ahead, and his company said he was "currently diving" on Sunday.
Later, his stepson Brian Szasz said in a now-deleted post on Facebook that his stepfather "has gone missing on (the) submarine."Later, his stepson Brian Szasz said in a now-deleted post on Facebook that his stepfather "has gone missing on (the) submarine."
Friend David Mearns, a marine scientist and expedition leader, described Mr Harding as a "very charming guy" who was attracted to "extreme adventures".Friend David Mearns, a marine scientist and expedition leader, described Mr Harding as a "very charming guy" who was attracted to "extreme adventures".
Patrick Woodhead, founder of British tour operator White Desert Antarctica, said Mr Harding was an "incredible" aviation explorer, and that his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Harding's wife, Linda, and his sons.Patrick Woodhead, founder of British tour operator White Desert Antarctica, said Mr Harding was an "incredible" aviation explorer, and that his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Harding's wife, Linda, and his sons.
Terry Virts, a retired Nasa astronaut, told the BBC's Newshour programme that Mr Harding "is an explorer, not a thrill seeker", and is "able to handle emergencies".Terry Virts, a retired Nasa astronaut, told the BBC's Newshour programme that Mr Harding "is an explorer, not a thrill seeker", and is "able to handle emergencies".
Shahzada and Suleman DawoodShahzada and Suleman Dawood
Suleman Dawood, 19, and father Shahzada Dawood, 48Suleman Dawood, 19, and father Shahzada Dawood, 48
British businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, is from one of Pakistan's richest families. He was travelling with his son, Suleman, a 19-year-old student, on the sub.British businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, is from one of Pakistan's richest families. He was travelling with his son, Suleman, a 19-year-old student, on the sub.
He lives with his wife, Christine, and other child, Alina, in Surbiton, south-west London, but the family were spending a month in Canada prior to the dive.He lives with his wife, Christine, and other child, Alina, in Surbiton, south-west London, but the family were spending a month in Canada prior to the dive.
In a statement, his family said he was interested in "exploring different natural habitats", and had spoken at both the United Nations and Oxford Union.In a statement, his family said he was interested in "exploring different natural habitats", and had spoken at both the United Nations and Oxford Union.
His father Hussain Dawood, was a founding patron of the King's charity, Prince's Trust International.His father Hussain Dawood, was a founding patron of the King's charity, Prince's Trust International.
Its chief executive Will Straw said it was shocked by the news and was praying for a rescue.Its chief executive Will Straw said it was shocked by the news and was praying for a rescue.
Shahzada is vice-chairman of Pakistani conglomerate Engro Corporation, which said it was praying for the "swift and safe return" of them both.Shahzada is vice-chairman of Pakistani conglomerate Engro Corporation, which said it was praying for the "swift and safe return" of them both.
He also works with his family's foundation, the SETI Institute - a California-based research organisation - and Prince's Trust International.He also works with his family's foundation, the SETI Institute - a California-based research organisation - and Prince's Trust International.
Shahzada studied at Philadelphia University in the US, and the University of Buckingham in England, where he graduated in 1998.Shahzada studied at Philadelphia University in the US, and the University of Buckingham in England, where he graduated in 1998.
A statement from his parents urged "everyone to pray for their safety".A statement from his parents urged "everyone to pray for their safety".
The British Asian Trust, which Shahzada was a supporter of, also said thoughts and prayers were with the Dawood family.The British Asian Trust, which Shahzada was a supporter of, also said thoughts and prayers were with the Dawood family.
CEO Richard Hawkes said: "All of us are absolutely devastated by the terrible news that our great friend and supporter Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman are on board."CEO Richard Hawkes said: "All of us are absolutely devastated by the terrible news that our great friend and supporter Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman are on board."
Paul-Henry NargeoletPaul-Henry Nargeolet
Paul-Henry Nargeolet was a diver in the French NavyPaul-Henry Nargeolet was a diver in the French Navy
Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French Navy diver, was also on board.Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French Navy diver, was also on board.
Nicknamed Mr Titanic, he has reportedly spent more time at the wreck than any other explorer and was part of the first expedition to visit it in 1987, just two years after it was found.Nicknamed Mr Titanic, he has reportedly spent more time at the wreck than any other explorer and was part of the first expedition to visit it in 1987, just two years after it was found.
The 77-year-old is director of underwater research at a company that owns the rights to the Titanic wreck.The 77-year-old is director of underwater research at a company that owns the rights to the Titanic wreck.
Family spokesman Mathieu Johann said he hoped Mr Nargeolet's composure and military career would reassure the crew on board, even if the outcome of the operation did not depend on him.Family spokesman Mathieu Johann said he hoped Mr Nargeolet's composure and military career would reassure the crew on board, even if the outcome of the operation did not depend on him.
Shortly before boarding the sub, Mr Nargeolet said he had been looking forward to an expedition next year to recover objects from the wreck, he added.Shortly before boarding the sub, Mr Nargeolet said he had been looking forward to an expedition next year to recover objects from the wreck, he added.
Marine scientist David Mearns, who knew Mr Nargeolet professionally, said he would have visited the wreckage many times and would understand the seabed and know to stay calm in the circumstances.
Stockton RushStockton Rush
The BBC filmed Stockton Rush inside the submersible in 2022The BBC filmed Stockton Rush inside the submersible in 2022
The chief executive of OceanGate, Stockton Rush, is also widely reported to be on the vessel. Stockton Rush is the chief executive of OceanGate, the company which runs the Titanic voyages. He is widely reported to be on the vessel.
LIVE: Father and son among Titanic sub missing as search continues He is an experienced engineer who has previously designed an experimental aircraft and worked on other small submersible vessels.
Rescuers scan ocean for Titanic sub as clock ticks Mr Rush founded the company in 2009, offering customers a chance to experience deep sea travel, and made global headlines in 2021 when it began offering trips to the site of the Titanic wreck.
The search for the missing Titanic sub and how it might be rescued For $250,000 (£195,600), his company offers passengers the opportunity to get an up-close glimpse of what remains of the famous ship.
Titan sub has heated walls and curtained-off toilet
Contact with the small sub was lost about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive in the mid-Atlantic on Sunday.
Now search teams are racing to find the vessel and entering deeper waters but there has been no sign of it yet.
Military planes, a submarine and sonar buoys have so far been used.
Titanic's wreck lies some 435 miles (700km) south of St John's, Newfoundland, though the rescue mission is being run from Boston, Massachusetts.
The US Coast Guard said a research ship called the Polar Prince had conducted a surface search for the sub on Monday evening.
It is used to transport submersibles to the wreckage site and was the support ship on Sunday's tourist expedition.
The British Foreign Office said it was in contact with the families of three British nationals and were in touch with the local authorities.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: "We wish them all the luck and we hope they will be swiftly found and returned to their loved ones."
The eight-day trip involving a journey to the wreck of the Titanic - run by OceanGate Expeditions - costs $250,000 (£195,600) per person and starts in St John's.
Participants travel some 370 miles (595km) on a larger ship to the area above the wreck site, then do an eight-hour dive to the Titanic on a truck-sized submersible known as Titan.Participants travel some 370 miles (595km) on a larger ship to the area above the wreck site, then do an eight-hour dive to the Titanic on a truck-sized submersible known as Titan.
The Titan is designed to carry five people and has "life support" for 96 hours for the crew, according to the firm's website. Speaking to the New York Times in 2022, he defended the business model, and said the ticket price was a "fraction of the cost of going to space and it's very expensive for us to get these ships and go out there".
The Titanic sits 3,800m (12,500ft) beneath the surface at the bottom of the Atlantic. It is about 600km (370 miles) off the coast of Newfoundland. A 2019 feature written for the website of Princeton University, where he studied, reported Mr Rush goes on every OceanGate dive.
The passenger liner, which was the largest ship of its time, hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912. Of the 2,200 passengers and crew onboard, more than 1,500 died.
Sign up for our UK morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox.Sign up for our UK morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Titanic submersible disappearanceTitanic submersible disappearance
RMS TitanicRMS Titanic
Sinking of the TitanicSinking of the Titanic
United StatesUnited States
CanadaCanada