News Summary
A tragic drowning incident on Hilton Head Island has claimed the life of a 49-year-old man from Georgia. Saumen Kundu drowned after being caught in a rip current while swimming with his son. Despite first responders’ efforts, Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident raises concerns about water safety in Beaufort County, which has seen a series of drownings. Officials urge beachgoers to check safety conditions and swim responsibly, especially when no lifeguards are on duty.
Beaufort County Drowning Incident Claims Life of 49-Year-Old
A tragic drowning incident occurred on Hilton Head Island on July 24, 2025, resulting in the death of a 49-year-old man identified as Saumen Kundu from Georgia. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Kundu died by drowning after being caught in a rip current.
The incident took place around 7:51 PM at a beach located in Sea Pines, where Kundu and his son were swimming when they encountered dangerous water conditions. Witnesses nearby heard their distress calls and immediately entered the water in an attempt to assist them. Emergency responders from Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue and Shore Beach Services were dispatched shortly after 7 PM following the emergency call.
Upon arrival, rescue crews located both Kundu and his son in distress in the water. While the son was unharmed, Kundu was found unresponsive. Rescuers initiated lifesaving efforts as soon as they reached the shore, but unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful, and Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene.
This fatal incident marks the fifth drowning death in Beaufort County in recent weeks, raising significant concerns about water safety in the area. Previous deaths have occurred during times when lifeguards were off duty, emphasizing the risks beachgoers face in the absence of professional supervision.
In light of this pattern, Mayor Alan Perry has highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness and communication regarding beach safety regulations and conditions. It has been advised that beachgoers stay informed by checking safety flags that indicate swimming conditions and to swim in pairs. Additionally, there is a strong recommendation to avoid swimming in the ocean when there are no lifeguards present.
The consulate of India has expressed condolences to Kundu’s family and is actively coordinating support in this tragic time. This incident, along with others in the region, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with swimming in unfamiliar waters, particularly during adverse conditions.
As the community mourns this loss, officials encourage everyone to prioritize safety and remain vigilant when enjoying the beautiful beaches of Beaufort County. It is crucial for all beachgoers to have a proper understanding of ocean conditions and to take preventive measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WJCL
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island drowning
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Drowning Prevention
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Beaufort County drowning incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
