News Summary
Saumen Kundu, a 49-year-old from Cumming, Georgia, tragically drowned while swimming with his son in Hilton Head. Caught in a rip current, Kundu lost consciousness before rescue efforts could save him. His family’s grieving process is compounded by the trauma experienced by his son. The community rallies around the Kundu family, highlighting ongoing concerns about water safety as this incident marks the fourth drowning in the area this summer.
Cumming, Georgia – Family Grieves after Father’s Drowning in Hilton Head
Saumen Kundu, a 49-year-old resident of Cumming, Georgia, tragically drowned off the coast of Hilton Head, South Carolina, on July 24, 2025. Kundu was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean with his 11-year-old son, Akash, when both became caught in a perilous rip current.
The incident unfolded around 7 PM, prompting bystanders to call 911 due to multiple swimmers in distress. Akash attempted to swim back to shore with his father, but during the struggle, Kundu lost consciousness. Fortunately, several bystanders, alerted by their calls for help, bravely entered the water to provide assistance before rescue teams arrived.
Emergency services, including Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services, responded approximately 15 minutes after the distress call. Bystanders aided Kundu and his son using flotation devices until help arrived. Upon reaching the shore, lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated for Saumen Kundu, but sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after, around 7:51 PM.
The situation grew more heartbreaking when Kundu’s widow, Nivedehitha Saumen, arrived at the beach only to find her husband unresponsive after being pulled from the water. The family is currently grappling with immense trauma, especially their son Akash, who witnessed the traumatic event.
Community and Family Background
Saumen Kundu was known as a responsible and quiet individual who often lent support to others. The Kundu family has been resident in Cumming, Georgia, for approximately a decade. Kundu worked in the IT sector as the sole provider for his family. His sudden passing has left a significant void in their lives.
In light of this tragedy, a colleague of Kundu initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at providing financial assistance to the family during this difficult time, highlighting the community’s support in moments of crisis. Additionally, the Indian Consulate in Atlanta confirmed that Kundu was an Indian national and expressed condolences while offering support to the family.
Ongoing Water Safety Concerns
This tragic incident marks Saumen Kundu as the fourth drowning victim in Beaufort County this summer, raising ongoing issues surrounding water safety and the dangers of rip currents in the area. Recent drownings in the region have coincided with similar cases where fathers have lost their lives attempting to rescue their children.
The events in Hilton Head serve as a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness regarding rip currents and water safety practices, particularly during the busy summer months when families often spend their time at the beach.
As the Kundu family mourns their devastating loss, the community around Cumming and Hilton Head is left to reflect on the need for safety measures to protect swimmers and prevent further tragedies in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Drowning Incident at Hilton Head Beach
Tragic Drowning Incident at Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning of Georgia Man in Beaufort County
Tragic Drowning Incident at Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County Drowning Incident Claims Life of 49-Year-Old
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times: Drowning of Indian Man in Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Rip Currents
- WTOC: Georgia Father Drowns
- Google Search: Hilton Head Water Safety
- ABC News 4: Drowning Incident Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Safety
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Drowning
- Google News: Saumen Kundu
- Live Mint: Hilton Head Drowning Incident
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.
