University students pay tribute to friend killed in Titanic sub implosion
Students at the University of Strathclyde have paid tribute to Suleman Dawood, the 19-year-old who died in the Titanic submersible in the Atlantic this week.
Dawood had been taking a trip to see the wreck of the Titanic with his father, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48.
Reports have claimed that the 19-year-old had been nervous about taking the trip, but had relented for a Father's Day gift.
Both men died when the submersible they were travelling in imploded under the immense pressure, killing everyone on board - including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, 61, UK businessman Hamish Harding, 58, and former French navy diver Paul-Henry Nargeolet, 77.
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Now, fellow students and friends of Suleman at Strathclyde University - where he attended - have paid tribute to him, calling him a 'generous and kind person'.
One friend, Isaac, told Sky News: "Suleman embodied everything of a true friendship, he always displayed genuine concern for me and my friends, and was always there to give support.
"His presence in my life was a comforting reminder that someone truly cared for me and would be there with me through anything.
"The world has lost such a wonderful person and my love goes out to the Dawood family."
His friend Calum said that Suleman had made him feel 'welcomed and safe' when he arrived at university, which he found to be a daunting experience.
He said: "He always found time to listen to you no matter how small it was and offer his thoughts, and was always putting others in front of himself.
"He loved making memories with his friends, whether that be going for a meal, watching a film, or as simple as spending time with him.
"Anyone who knew him knew how much of a generous and down-to-earth person he was, who spoke often and highly of how much he loved and [how] proud he was of his family.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, vice-chancellor of Strathclyde University, said: "We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of Suleman Dawood and his father in this tragic incident.
"The entire Strathclyde community offers our deepest condolences to the Dawood family and all those affected by this terrible accident."
Canadian authorities have now opened an investigation into OceanGate, the company which ran the tours.
Reports have emerged that the CEO of OceanGate dismissed safety concerns around the the submersible.
US and UK had picked up a signal on Monday which is likely to have indicated that the submersible had imploded, but did not make the information public at the time.
A rescue operation was launched involving personnel from two navies as well as specialist equipment.
Topics: News, World News, Titanic
Kit Roberts