In the aftermath of the devastating Titan sub tragedy, the sons of British billionaire Hamish Harding have spoken out to honor their late father.
Harding, a dynamic entrepreneur and adventurer, was one of the five passengers aboard the OceanGate Titan submersible that suffered a "catastrophic implosion" near the Titanic wreckage site.
According to the US Coast Guard, all five passengers tragically lost their lives during the deep-sea expedition.
As the world grapples with the shock of this loss, Harding's sons have chosen to celebrate their father's life and impact.
In statements released through Action Aviation - the company their father founded - Harding's sons lauded their father as the "best father" and a "tenacious, hardworking businessman".
One son movingly stated: "He inspired me more than anyone will ever know, taught me things I'll never forget, and he meant everything to me."
Hamish Harding is survived by his wife Linda, their sons Rory and Giles, and Harding's two stepchildren, Laurena and Brian.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Harding was renowned for his adventurous personality and relentless work ethic. His sons vow to continue his legacy, with one son confessing: "My life will be a success if I'm even half the man he is. My dad is gone but I will never forget him."
Further paying tribute to their "loving father, family man, and determined and tireless businessman," Harding's second son underscored the vast impact of their father's wisdom, energy, and charisma.
"He was an energetic and charismatic man who by the sheer weight of his personality lifted up and supported everyone around him," his son said. "His tragic loss will be mourned not only by myself and my family, but everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.
"The world is so much less without his larger-than-life presence and his optimistic spirit."
Meanwhile, the investigation into the Titan submersible implosion is underway by the Canadian authorities.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Transportation Safety Board (TSB) chair Kathy Fox confirmed: "Our mandate is to find out what happened and why and to find out what needs to change to reduce the chance or the risk of such occurrences in the future."
TSB investigators have boarded the Polar Price cargo ship that initially transported the ill-fated Titan sub to its launch point in the North Atlantic. Given the gravity and complexity of the incident, the investigation could span from 18 months to two years. The TSB's aim is to enhance transportation safety through these investigations, rather than assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
Additionally, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have begun probing the Titan sub tragedy to ascertain if any criminal laws were violated.
Newfoundland and Labrador Superintendent Kent Osmond explained the investigators' role, stating: "Our job is to determine if a full-fledged RCMP investigation is warranted." He added that any comprehensive investigation would only be initiated if their preliminary examination suggests possible violations of federal or provincial criminal laws.
