The stepson of one of the five passengers who died on the Titan submersible spoke out about his loss.
In an interview with NBC News on June 22, John Nathaniel Paschall, the stepson of Paul-Henri Nargeolet, revealed how his family is coping with the tragedy.
“It’s a lot to handle right now,” he said. “Obviously, as you can probably imagine, we’ve been living a nightmare this week. I think that goes for all the families involved in this.”
He added, “It’s been truly just a nightmare of an experience that I hope no one ever has to go through again, but we’re sticking together as a family and getting through it all one moment at a time.”
Although the vessel disappeared on Sunday, Paschall said he was informed by the U.S. coast guard about the search and rescue starting Wednesday.
He explained that he spoke to his stepfather a few weeks prior and planned on seeing him “just after the Fourth of July.”
According to The New York Times, Nargeolet was the director of underwater research for RMS Titanic, Inc. which has recovered thousands of artifacts from the Titanic’s wreckage for the historic ship’s exhibitions.
In May, Paschall told NBC News, Nargeolet informed him he would be going on the voyage. He said he wasn’t too concerned “knowing how many times he’s been down there” and that it was “just another exciting trip” for him to see the Titanic again.
Describing Nargeolet, whom Paschall referred to as “PH,” he shared that he was “a really incredible stepfather” to him and “so respectful and more” despite the family’s dynamic.
“There’s so many instances that I was just blown away by his love and care for me as a stepson,” he continued.
Paschall shared that the ocean was Nargeolet’s “home away from home” and “the water was so connected to him” including the Titanic.
“He put so much of his life into that ship and I think it showed that he’s, in my opinion, the world expert on the Titanic,” he said.
