Hamish Harding facts for kids

George Hamish Livingston Harding (born June 24, 1964 – died June 18, 2023) was a British businessman, pilot, and adventurer. He lived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was known for his amazing explorations. These included visiting the South Pole, diving to the deepest part of the ocean, and even traveling into space! He also held three Guinness World Records.

Sadly, Hamish Harding died with four other people inside a small submarine called the Titan. The submarine was on its way to see the wreck of the Titanic when it broke apart deep in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Early Life and Learning

Hamish Harding was born in Hammersmith, London, England, on June 24, 1964. He spent his early years in Hong Kong. When he was five, he watched the Apollo 11 Moon landing on TV. This event really inspired him.

He went to The King's School, Gloucester from 1975 to 1982. At 13, he joined the Air Training Corps. This is a youth group sponsored by the Royal Air Force. Here, he learned to fly small planes. He got his pilot's license in 1985 while studying at Pembroke College, Cambridge. He earned degrees in Natural Sciences and Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University.

Amazing Adventures and Career

In the 1990s, Harding worked in the information technology field. He helped start a company called Logica in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Later, he became the boss of Logica India. In 1999, he started his own investment company, Action Group. Then, in 2004, he created Action Aviation. This company helps people buy and sell business jets.

Exploring the South Pole

Harding worked with a company that offered special trips to Antarctica. He helped start the first regular business jet service to this icy continent. He visited the South Pole many times. In 2016, he went with Buzz Aldrin, who became the oldest person to reach the South Pole at 86. Harding also took his own son, who became the youngest at 12.

Flying Around the World

From July 9 to 11, 2019, Harding led a team of pilots. They flew a Gulfstream G650ER jet around the world. They flew over both the North and South Poles. This trip set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest flight around the Earth. It took only 46 hours and 40 minutes! This mission was called "One More Orbit." It celebrated 50 years since the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

Diving to the Deepest Ocean Point

On March 5, 2021, Harding and Victor Vescovo made an incredible dive. They went to the deepest point of the Mariana Trench, called the Challenger Deep. This spot is about 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) deep! They used a special two-person submarine called DSV Limiting Factor. They set two Guinness World Records for this dive: the longest distance covered and the longest time spent at full ocean depth. Harding's 13-year-old son was on the support ship above the water.

Traveling to Space

Harding also flew into space! On June 4, 2022, he was part of the Blue Origin NS-21 mission. This was the fifth time the New Shepard rocket carried people into space. After his space trip, he believed that people who pay to fly to space should also be called astronauts. He also wanted the United Arab Emirates to grow its space program.

Helping Cheetahs in India

In September 2022, Harding's company, Action Aviation, helped with a special project. They provided a large Boeing 747-400 plane. This plane carried eight wild cheetahs from Namibia to India. This project was to bring cheetahs back to India. Cheetahs had disappeared from India in 1952. Harding, as a member of The Explorers Club, helped carry the club's flag on this important flight.

The Titan Expedition and His Death

Hamish Harding was on the Titan submarine. This vessel was going to explore the Titanic wreckage. On June 18, 2023, the submarine lost contact with its support ship, MV Polar Prince. Rescue teams from the United States, Canada, and France started a search.

On June 22, debris from the Titan was found. It was about 1,600 feet (490 meters) from the front of the Titanic. The United States Coast Guard later said that the debris showed the submarine had broken apart. This caused an implosion, meaning it collapsed inward very quickly. Everyone on board died instantly.

Personal Life

Hamish Harding was married to Linda. He had two sons and two stepchildren. He lived with his family in Dubai.

Awards and Special Recognition

• In 2022, Harding was added to the Living Legends of Aviation. This is a group of people who have made big contributions to aviation.
• He was on the board of trustees for The Explorers Club.
• He held three Guinness World Records:
  • Fastest flight around both Poles by airplane.
  • Longest time spent at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel.
  • Longest distance traveled at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel.

See also

• List of people who descended to Challenger Deep