Sons of British businessman killed on Titanic sub pay tribute to his ‘optimistic spirit’
The sons of British businessman Hamish Harding who died after the Titan submarine imploded near the Titanic wreck have paid tribute to their father.
Rory and Giles Harding said in a joint statement their billionaire father had a “larger-than-life presence and optimistic spirit” – and was the best father they “could have ever asked for”.
One of their tributes read: ”My dad was a tenacious, hard-working businessman but most importantly he was the best father I could have ever asked for.
”He inspired me more than anyone will ever know, taught me things I’ll never forget, and he meant everything to me. Anyone who ever met my dad will praise his humorous personality, his sheer work ethic, and his constant generosity.
“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.”
The second tribute said: “My father was an avid adventurer, a loving father, family man and a determined and tireless businessman.
”In all of these areas, he constantly sought to be the best man he could be and did nothing half-way. Constantly full of wisdom and life advice to bestow, he made my brother and I into the people we are today.
”He was an energetic and charismatic man who by the sheer weight of his personality lifted up and supported everyone around him. 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.”
Mr Harding, who was one of five people who were killed in the catastrophe, ran Action Aviation, a Dubai-based private jet firm and was a keen adventurer.
The businessman visited the South Pole multiple times and held three Guinness World Records, including the longest time spent at full ocean depth.
Mr Harding was blasted into space in 2022 on board Blue Origin’s fifth human-crewed flight.
The wreck of the submarine was found on Sunday after a search lasting several days, involving US, Canadian and French teams
Investigators are currently trying to work out what caused the Titan to implode and why it lost contact with its mothership on Sunday.
Pieces of the submersible were found 1,600ft (487m) from the bow of the wreck of the Titanic, which was the biggest ship in the world when it sank in 1912.
