July 26, 2025

Tragic Drowning on Hilton Head Island

News Summary

A 49-year-old man, Saumen Kundu, drowned while swimming with his son on Hilton Head Island. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident is part of a concerning trend of drownings in Beaufort County this summer, highlighting the dangers of rip currents even under low-risk conditions. Authorities are urging safety awareness at the beach.

Hilton Head Island, SC – A 49-year-old man from Georgia, identified as Saumen Kundu, tragically drowned on Hilton Head Island after being caught in a rip current while swimming with his son on the evening of July 24, 2025. The drowning occurred around 7 p.m. near South Sea Pines Drive at beach marker 5, an area where multiple swimmers had been reported in distress.

Kundu and his son were enjoying their time in the water when Kundu was swept away by a strong rip current. Emergency responders received a 911 call and swiftly arrived at the scene to assist. Hilton Head Fire Rescue teams, staff from Shore Beach Services, and bystanders collaborated to rescue both Kundu and his son. Despite their efforts, when Kundu was pulled from the water, he was found unresponsive, and attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 7:51 p.m. as a result of drowning.

Authorities noted that, at the time of the incident, the National Weather Service had indicated a low risk of rip currents in the area. However, experts caution that even under low-risk conditions, dangerous currents can develop suddenly and without warning. Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that extend from the shoreline out to sea, posing significant hazards to swimmers, especially those who are not strong swimmers.

Kundu’s drowning marks the fourth incident of its kind in Beaufort County during the summer of 2025. Earlier incidents included the drowning of a 69-year-old man on June 30 and a 65-year-old photographer on July 1, raising concerns about water safety in the region.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating Kundu’s drowning to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. In the wake of this tragedy, local authorities have issued public safety alerts, encouraging beach visitors to take water safety seriously, particularly as hurricane season approaches when rip currents are more common and dangerous.

The Indian Consulate in Atlanta has expressed condolences to Kundu’s family during this challenging time and is providing assistance to them as needed.

As Kundu’s tragic fate unfolds, local authorities continue to urge swimmers and beachgoers to remain vigilant, understand the risks associated with swimming in the ocean, and always prioritize their safety while enjoying coastal waters.