News Summary
A 49-year-old man from Georgia, Saumen Kundu, drowned in the Atlantic Ocean after getting caught in a rip current while swimming with his son on Hilton Head Island. Beachgoers attempted to help, and emergency responders were called, but Kundu was pronounced dead shortly after. This tragic event marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, highlighting concerns about water safety. The Indian Consulate has expressed condolences while local officials continue to promote awareness about the dangers of rip currents.
Hilton Head Island – A tragic drowning incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when a 49-year-old man from Georgia, identified as Saumen Kundu, drowned in the Atlantic Ocean after becoming caught in a rip current while swimming with his juvenile son. The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. off South Sea Pines Drive at mile marker 5.
As Kundu and his son struggled against the powerful current, they called for help, prompting nearby beachgoers to assist. These individuals bravely entered the water to rescue the pair. Responders from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services arrived at the scene at approximately 7:15 p.m., quickly retrieving both Kundu and his son from the water.
Once back on the beach, Kundu was found unresponsive. Emergency personnel initiated life-saving efforts, but despite their efforts, Kundu was pronounced dead at around 7:51 p.m., as confirmed by Beaufort County Chief Coroner Shane Bowers. Thankfully, Kundu’s son emerged from the incident unharmed.
This tragic event marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County waters this summer, raising concerns about water safety. Previous drownings included a 69-year-old man on June 30 and a 65-year-old photographer on July 1, both of whom drowned under similar conditions at nearby beaches. Local sheriff’s office officials have issued warnings about the dangers of rip currents, particularly during hurricane season, advising beach visitors to prioritize water safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian Consulate in Atlanta conveyed its condolences to Kundu’s family and announced that it is coordinating with local authorities to provide support during this difficult time.
The ocean can be a beautiful yet dangerous place, particularly when it comes to the unpredictable nature of rip currents. These powerful channels of water can swiftly pull swimmers away from shore, contributing to the risk of drowning. Beachgoers are urged to be vigilant by paying attention to warning flags and heeding surf conditions to ensure their safety.
Other community entities are also increasingly emphasizing water safety measures and education. With summer attracting more visitors to the beaches, the focus on preventive actions and awareness has never been more critical.
In conclusion, the drowning of Saumen Kundu serves as a sobering reminder of the potential perils that can arise during recreational water activities, particularly during peak tourist seasons. As the community mourns his passing, the emphasis on water safety continues to resonate strongly, calling attention to the importance of being informed and cautious while enjoying the ocean.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Drowning Death
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Hindustan Times: Hilton Head Drowning Incident
- Google Search: Hilton Head Drowning
- ABC News 4: Tragic Hilton Head Island Drowning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- WTOC: Georgia Father Dies from Drowning
- Google News: Hilton Head Drowning
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.
