News Summary
A tragic incident on Hilton Head Island resulted in the drowning of a 49-year-old man, Saumen Kundu, who attempted to save his son caught in a rip current. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite efforts, Kundu was pronounced dead. This marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, prompting safety warnings for beachgoers. The Indian Consulate is assisting Kundu’s family during this difficult time, as the community reflects on the dangers of rip currents and the need for water safety awareness.
Hilton Head Island, SC – A tragic incident unfolded Thursday evening when a 49-year-old man from Georgia, identified as Saumen Kundu, drowned while attempting to rescue his son from a rip current at a beach in Beaufort County. Emergency responders were alerted to a water emergency near South Sea Pines Drive around 7 p.m.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Kundu and his son found themselves in distress after both became caught in a rip current. Passersby noticed their struggle and bravely entered the water with flotation devices to assist them. Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue, along with Shore Beach Services, arrived at the scene shortly after 7:15 p.m., providing support in navigating the dangerous waters.
Rescue efforts focused initially on Kundu and his son, but unfortunately, Kundu was found unresponsive on the beach after being brought ashore. Despite the efforts of rescue crews to implement lifesaving measures, Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. on July 24, 2025. In a fortunate turn of events, his son was rescued unharmed.
The Chief Coroner, Shane Bowers, confirmed Kundu’s identity and stated that the cause of death was drowning. This incident represents the fourth drowning in Beaufort County waters this summer, highlighting serious safety concerns for beachgoers. Previous drownings this season include a 69-year-old man at Coligny Beach Park and two other incidents occurring at Hunting Island State Park.
In light of these incidents, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is urging beachgoers to heed warnings about water safety, particularly during hurricane season when the prevalence of rip currents increases. Additionally, visitors can check for real-time beach conditions and hazards through the Shore Beach Services website and the National Weather Service.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Indian Consulate in Atlanta confirmed Kundu’s nationality as an Indian citizen and is currently coordinating support and assistance for his family as they cope with this profound loss.
The community mourns the loss of a life that was dedicated to family, and there is a pressing reminder of the dangers that rip currents present along the coast. Local authorities continue to promote water safety awareness and recommend that swimmers always be cautious when enjoying ocean activities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the inherent risks that come with recreational swimming, underscoring the need for preparedness and awareness among beachgoers as they navigate the waters.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Drowning Death
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Island Packet: Local News on Drowning
- Google Search: Hilton Head Drowning
- Hindustan Times: Indian Man Drowns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean
- WTOC: Georgia Father Drowns
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Drowning
- Live Mint: Indian Man Identified
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
