Regina Daniel Husband, Ned Nwoko Reveals His Narrow Escape from Boarding the Doomed Titan Submersible

On the solemn occasion of Friday last, the world received news of an unfortunate incident involving the Titan submersible and one of its passengers, the indefatigable explorer, Hamish Harding. As the events unfolded, Nigerian politician and close friend of the late explorer, Ned Nwoko, took to his social media platform to express his grief and to disclose that he, too, had been offered a spot on the now-infamous tour of the Titanic ship wreckage, an opportunity that he was unable to partake in.

Hamish Harding was not just an ordinary man. He was a British businessman, an avid explorer, and a holder of multiple Guinness World Records, one of which celebrated him for the most prolonged solo voyage to the deepest part of the ocean. He was aboard the Titan submersible when the tragic event occurred, leading to his death and that of four others when the vessel catastrophically imploded.

Ned Nwoko, a well-known political figure in Nigeria, made his heartfelt feelings known via his official Instagram account. He narrated his reasons for not being able to join the fateful Titanic tour despite receiving an invitation. Amid his revelations, he paid an emotive tribute to his fallen friend, Mr. Harding, reminiscing about their shared adventures.

The late Hamish Harding and his son, Giles, accompanied Mr. Nwoko on an ambitious expedition to Antarctica in January 2020. They were part of an international team of scientists hailing from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, India, and China. The objective of the expedition, Nwoko explained, was not only to push the boundaries of exploration but also to use the global attention it would inevitably attract to raise awareness about the ongoing battle against Malaria in Africa.

In his tribute, Mr Nwoko said, “I mourn the loss of a dear friend and business partner, Captain Hamish Harding. We ventured together into the harsh landscapes of the South Pole, Antarctica, a few years back. He was a gulf stream pilot, celebrated for circumnavigating the globe in a record-breaking expedition recognized by the Guinness World Record. His thirst for adventure led him to the depths of the Mariana Trench.”

Nwoko also mentioned that Harding extended an invitation for a space shuttle mission last year and for the ill-fated Titan submersible adventure. However, due to his national duties, Nwoko was unable to join. Harding was also instrumental in the various research projects dedicated to eradicating malaria in Africa, Nwoko added.

Nwoko fondly remembered Harding’s excitement for the Titan submersible tour. His last message to Nwoko was sent on the previous Sunday, expressing his readiness to dive into the Titanic if the weather permitted.

Hamish Harding was an adventurer and a man who thrived on overcoming challenges. Nwoko’s tribute concluded with condolences to Harding’s family, whom he considers as his own. “His wife and children, who have become close family friends, are in our thoughts. His vast experience and spirit of exploration will be deeply missed,” he said.

This tragedy surrounding the Titan submersible marks a somber day in the history of oceanic exploration. The vessel, which embarked on its journey on Sunday, disappeared following its dive. Reports suggest that a ‘catastrophic implosion’ led to the vanishing of the five passengers onboard, marking a devastating end to what was meant to be an exploratory tour of the sunken Titanic.