News Summary
A heartbreaking incident occurred at Sea Pines beach where 49-year-old Saumen Kundu tragically drowned while trying to save his son from a rip current. Emergency responders acted quickly but, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Kundu leaves behind a wife and child, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family as they navigate unforeseen financial struggles. Local authorities are investigating the drowning and emphasizing the importance of water safety.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Father Drowns While Rescuing Son
A tragic drowning incident occurred on July 24 at a beach in Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, where a 49-year-old father from Georgia, Saumen Kundu, lost his life while attempting to save his son from a rip current. The incident was reported to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, which stated that emergency responders received a call about the situation around 7 PM, with a rescue operation initiated shortly thereafter.
Kundu was swimming with his son when they became caught in a powerful rip current. Hearing their desperate calls for help, nearby beachgoers entered the water in an effort to assist them. Emergency personnel from Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue along with Shore Beach Services arrived swiftly and were able to bring both Kundu and his son back to shore.
Despite immediate medical attention and lifesaving measures performed on the father, Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene around 7:51 PM. His young son was unharmed and brought to safety. The incident has left Kundu’s family facing unexpected financial challenges, as he leaves behind a wife and child. To support the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to address immediate expenses and assist in the healing process.
The Indian Consulate in Atlanta confirmed Kundu’s nationality, expressing sadness over his death and indicating that they are working with local authorities to offer additional support to the grieving family.
Recent Drowning Statistics in Beaufort County
This incident marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, a concerning statistic for local authorities and families who frequent the region’s beaches. Earlier in July, two other drowning incidents involved a father and a 69-year-old man, highlighting the dangers posed by unpredictable water conditions.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kundu’s drowning. Local officials are emphasizing the importance of water safety, particularly in relation to the unpredictability of rip currents that can quickly lead to dangerous situations for swimmers.
Community Response and Safety Measures
In light of this tragedy, community leaders are urging beachgoers to prioritize safety when swimming in the ocean. Awareness regarding rip currents and other potential hazards is critical for preventing future incidents. Educational efforts aimed at increasing public knowledge about these risks are being promoted in response to the recent drownings.
The local community is coming together to offer support to Kundu’s family, reflecting a collective compassion in the face of tragedy. They are encouraging others to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial burden faced by Kundu’s loved ones, as the family grapples with their sudden loss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
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.
