Tragedy Strikes as Teenager Dies in Submarine Attempting to Set Rubik’s Cube World Record
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 19-year-old Suleiman Daoud lost his life while attempting to set a world record with a Rubik’s cube inside the submarine “Titan.” Suleiman’s mother, Christine Dowd, revealed to the BBC that her son had taken the Rubik’s cube with him on the ill-fated journey in hopes of achieving this remarkable feat.
Suleiman had submitted an application to Guinness World Records, and his father, Shahzada Daoud, who also tragically perished, had brought a camera to capture the historic moment. The family had boarded the support ship “Polar Prince,” with Christine and her daughter, Alina, on board, when news arrived that communication with the “Titan” had been lost.
“At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant – and then it all went downhill,” Christine Dowd shared in her first interview. She further revealed that the family had initially planned to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, but their trip was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then that Suleiman expressed his desire to embark on the submarine journey.
Suleiman’s love for the Rubik’s cube was well-known, as he carried it with him everywhere and astounded onlookers by solving the complex puzzle in just 12 seconds. “He was saying, ‘I’m going to solve the Rubik’s Cube 3,700 meters underwater in the Titan,'” his mother recalled.
Suleiman, a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK, hailed from a prominent British-Pakistani family. Alongside Suleiman and Shahzada Daoud, three other individuals lost their lives on board the “Titan”: Stockton Rush, the 61-year-old CEO of OceanGate, the company that owns the submarine; British businessman Hamish Harding, 58; and Paul-Henri Narjolet, a 77-year-old former French Navy diver and renowned explorer.
Describing her husband, Christine Dowd portrayed Shahzada as infectiously curious about the world, often gathering the family to watch documentaries after dinner. “He had this ability to be excited as a child,” she fondly remembered.
As the search and rescue mission transitioned from hope to despair, Christine Dowd and her daughter remained aboard the Polar Prince. “I think I gave up hope when the 96 hours went by,” Ms. Dowd admitted. She then sent a text to her family, stating, “I’m preparing for the worst.” It was at that moment that she lost all hope.
Alina, however, held on to hope a little longer. “She didn’t give up hope until she called the Coast Guard. That’s when they said they found debris,” Christine Dowd shared.
The family returned to St. John’s on Saturday and held a memorial service for Shahzada and Suleiman on Sunday. Christine Dowd expressed her gratitude for the imam who said a prayer for all five men who lost their lives.
In honor of her son, Christine Dowd and her daughter have decided to learn to solve a Rubik’s cube and carry on Suleiman’s legacy. She also intends to continue her late husband’s work, emphasizing his involvement in various charitable endeavors and his dedication to helping others.
When asked about ongoing investigations into the tragedy, Ms. Dowd declined to comment. However, when questioned about how she and her daughter would find protection moving forward, she responded, “Is there such a thing? I don’t know.”
With a heavy heart, Christine Dowd concluded, “I miss them. I really, really miss them.” The loss of Suleiman and Shahzada Daoud has left a void in their family and the community, as their memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
How can the global Rubik’s cube community support the grieving families of Suleiman and the other victims
S the submarine; Roger Johnson, a seasoned diver and member of the support team; and Eduardo Vanegas, an experienced pilot.
The tragic incident occurred during a deep-sea expedition off the coast of Florida on October 24, 2021. The “Titan” had reached a depth of approximately 3,700 meters when it encountered an unforeseen technical issue, leading to a loss of communication with the surface. Despite extensive efforts by the support team and emergency services, the crew and passengers were unable to be rescued.
The Rubik’s cube world record attempt was Suleiman’s dream, and he had dedicated countless hours to practicing and perfecting his speed-solving skills. His family described him as a talented and passionate young man with a thirst for adventure and a desire to push boundaries.
The news of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the Rubik’s cube community and the wider world. tributes have poured in for Suleiman, his father, and the other victims, with friends, classmates, and individuals from all around the globe expressing their sadness and support for the grieving families.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks involved in exploration and the importance of safety measures in high-risk endeavors. The entire global Rubik’s cube community mourns the loss of an ambitious young talent, and the world joins in grieving the loss of all those who lost their lives in this devastating accident. May they rest in peace.
