Two of the passengers are a prominent businessman and his 19-year-old son

British businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman, 19, are aboard the missing submarine, according to a statement from the Engro Corporation, based in Karachi, Pakistan.

A scion of one of Pakistan’s wealthiest families, the elder Mr. Dawood is Vice Chairman of Engro and has a background in textile and fertilizer manufacturing. He has served on boards of directors in various industries, according to the website of the World Economic Forum.

He also serves on the Global Advisory Board for Prince’s Trust International, King Charles III’s charity. His father, Hussain, was one of the founders of the charity, the foundation said in a statement.

Mr Dawood and his son are British subjects. Mr. Dawood and his wife, Christine, also have a daughter, Alina.

“We are shocked by this terrible news, we pray for salvation and send our thoughts to his family at this very challenging time,” Will Straw, the CEO of Prince’s Trust International, said in a statement.

According to a message on the website of the SETI Institute, a scientific organization of which Mr. Dawood is a trustee, the businessman is an avid animal lover. The Engro Corporation said photography, especially wildlife photography, and exploring different natural habitats encompass his interests.

The company said Suleman Dawood is a big fan of science fiction literature, plays volleyball and has a keen interest in solving Rubik’s Cubes.