Stepson of Missing Titanic Sub Billionaire Attends Concert Amid Search

Created: JANUARY 21, 2025

As the search intensifies for the missing OceanGate Titan submersible, Brian Szasz, stepson of British billionaire Hamish Harding, has defended his decision to attend a Blink-182 concert while his stepfather remains trapped aboard the vessel. Szasz took to social media to express that the band's music has been a source of comfort during challenging times, and that he saw no reason to remain at home consumed by news reports.

The Coast Guard's estimate of 40-41 hours of breathable air remaining on the submersible adds urgency to the rescue operation. Szasz, a San Diego-based audio engineer, shared an image of himself at the concert merchandise tent on Instagram, stating, "What am I supposed to do sit at home and watch the news?" He emphasized the band's positive impact on his life since 1998.

U.K. billionaire Hamish Harding receives a pin after traveling to space on a Blue Origin flight

Hamish Harding, an accomplished astronaut, is among the five passengers aboard the missing Titan. Szasz initially confirmed his stepfather's presence on the submersible via a Facebook post, requesting prayers for a successful rescue. Although he later deleted a post from the concert venue at his mother's request for privacy, he expressed gratitude to Blink-182 on Twitter for providing solace during this difficult period.

Blink-182 performs in New York City

Joining Harding on the OceanGate Expedition are Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Sulaiman Dawood, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, and French maritime expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet. The submersible lost contact approximately 900 nautical miles East of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, prompting a large-scale search effort by U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard authorities. The vessel's oxygen supply is limited to 96 hours, with the Coast Guard's latest estimate indicating less than 24 hours remaining as of Tuesday afternoon.

OceanGate tourist submersible OceanGate tourist submersible

Capt. Jamie Fredrick, the U.S. Coast Guard First District response coordinator, stated that the search area spans a region "larger than the state of Connecticut." Despite continuous surface and air searches since receiving the report of the Titan's disappearance on Sunday evening, no trace of the submersible has been found. The Coast Guard's thoughts and prayers remain with the crew, their families, and loved ones as the challenging rescue operation continues.

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