Aunt Reveals Terrifying Experience of 19-Year-Old Titan Passenger Before Trip

In the days leading up to the ill-fated voyage of the Titan submersible off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, a 19-year-old university student, Suleman Dawood, expressed hesitation and fear about the expedition, according to his aunt, Azmeh Dawood. In an emotional interview with NBC News, Azmeh revealed that her nephew had confided in a relative, stating that he "wasn't very up for it" and felt "terrified" about the upcoming trip to explore the haunting wreckage of the Titanic.

Despite his reservations, Suleman ultimately joined his father, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, aboard OceanGate's 22-foot submersible. The trip coincided with Father's Day weekend, and Suleman wanted to please his passionate father, who had a deep fascination with the history and lore surrounding the Titanic.

Devastating Confirmation: All Five Titan Passengers Presumed Dead

Speaking from her home in Amsterdam, Azmeh expressed her profound devastation upon receiving the news that all five passengers aboard the Titan were presumed dead. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that debris found in the search area indicated a "catastrophic implosion." Through tearful sobs, Azmeh described her disbelief and shared that the past four days had been agonizing as she anxiously followed television news coverage, desperate for updates on the fate of her beloved brother and nephew.

Azmeh and Shahzada hail from one of the most prominent corporate dynasties in Pakistan, the Dawood family, whose namesake business empire, Dawood Hercules Corp., holds investments in various sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. Shahzada, the vice chairman of the Karachi-based Engro Corporation and an adviser to Prince's Trust International, a charitable organization founded by King Charles III, has had a keen interest in the Titanic since his childhood.

Recalling their shared past, Azmeh recounted how she and Shahzada would watch the 1958 film "A Night to Remember," a British drama about the sinking of the Titanic, and visit museum exhibitions featuring artifacts recovered from the wreckage. The fascination with the Titanic extended to Shahzada's adulthood, as he would often immerse himself in documentaries and books on the subject.

However, Azmeh's relationship with Shahzada has become strained in recent years due to her use of medicinal cannabis. Shahzada, along with other family members, disapproved of her choice, leading to a decline in communication between them. Despite this, Azmeh maintained a close bond with Suleman, whom she described as a young man with a thoroughly good-hearted nature.

A Strained Relationship: Cannabis Use Causes Distance Between Azmeh and Shahzada

Overwhelmed by grief, Azmeh expressed her deep love for her younger brother, Shahzada, reminiscing about the time she held him when he was born. In a statement, their parents, Hussain and Kulsum Dawood, requested prayers for the departed souls and expressed gratitude to the search teams for their tireless efforts. They also acknowledged the immense love and support they had received, which provided solace during this unimaginable loss.

Reflecting on the tragedy that befell her brother and nephew, Azmeh shared that participating in the OceanGate mission was something she could never fathom doing, regardless of the circumstances. As she looked through old family photos, trying to make sense of the tragedy, she recognized the profound emotional impact that reverberated not only within her family but also across the globe.

The deaths of Suleman and Shahzada Dawood have left a void in the hearts of their loved ones, while the tragic fate of the Titan submersible has sent shockwaves of grief and suspense around the world. As people continue to grapple with the magnitude of this devastating event, Azmeh's heartfelt account serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the headlines and the profound impact that such tragedies have on individuals and communities.