The family of the British billionaire who died aboard the Titan sub has spoken out.

On Thursday, it was confirmed by the officials that the missing OceanGate submersible imploded deep underwater just under two hours after the vessel descended to visit the Titanic wreckage.

The sub’s five crew members have since been confirmed dead. They include CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French Navy veteran Paul-Henri PH Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and Dawood’s 19-year-old son, Suleman.

Harding’s family has now broken their silence and described the 58-year-old businessman as an “inspiration” and a “guide.”

Hamish was also described as a “dedicated father” who passed on “doing what he loved.”

“He was one of a kind and we adored him,” the statement by Harding’s family reads.

“He was a passionate explorer – whatever the terrain – who lived his life for his family, his business and for the next adventure.

“What he achieved in his lifetime was truly remarkable and if we can take any small consolation from this tragedy, it’s that we lost him doing what he loved.”

The family went on to say that they were “united in grief” despite knowing that Hamish’s death leaves behind a gap that can never be filled.

“We know that Hamish would have been immensely proud to see how nations, experts, industry colleagues and friends came together for the search and we extend our heartfelt thanks for all their efforts,” the statement concluded.

The heartbreaking message from Harding’s family comes shortly after the US Coast Guard confirmed the deaths of all five Titan crew members after finding remains of the sub on the ocean floor.

“The debris is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber. Upon this determination we immediately notified the families,” Rear Admiral John Mauger said.

“On behalf of the Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences to the families.”

Our thoughts remain with the victims’ families during this challenging time.