News Summary
A tragic drowning occurred in Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, when 49-year-old Saumen Kundu drowned while attempting to rescue his son from a rip current. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene following lifesaving efforts. Fortunately, his son was unharmed and is safe. This incident raises alarms as it marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, prompting officials to emphasize beach safety and vigilance in monitoring conditions.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded on July 24, 2025, when 49-year-old Saumen Kundu from Georgia drowned while trying to rescue his son from a rip current at a beach in Sea Pines. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 7 p.m., and despite efforts to save him, Kundu was pronounced dead approximately 50 minutes later.
During the alarming situation, Kundu and his son were caught in a rip current while swimming in the ocean. Bystanders nearby heard their desperate calls for help and rushed into the water to assist. Emergency personnel from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services were quickly on-site to provide assistance.
Both Kundu and his son were ultimately pulled from the water by rescuers. Kundu, however, was found in cardiac arrest on the beach. Despite immediate lifesaving measures attempted by both bystanders and first responders, Kundu did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:51 p.m. Fortunately, Kundu’s son was rescued unharmed and is reported to be safe.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident and is currently conducting an investigation. Kundu’s identity was confirmed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, which stated that the cause of death was drowning.
This drowning marks the fourth such incident in Beaufort County during the summer of 2025, raising concerns about safety at local beaches. In light of this recent tragedy, officials are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant about beach conditions. The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of monitoring real-time beach conditions, which can change rapidly, and to pay close attention to beach flags that indicate current hazards.
Local meteorologists reported that there was a low risk of rip currents at the time of the incident, but they noted that dangerous currents can develop unexpectedly. Beach safety practices were highlighted, including the importance of not swimming alone and choosing to swim in areas supervised by lifeguards.
In an effort to assist with funeral expenses, Kundu’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden stemming from this unfortunate incident.
Officials recommend that swimmers caught in rip currents can enhance their chances of survival by calling for help and swimming parallel to the shore to escape the current. Immediate response and awareness of one’s surroundings can significantly reduce the risks associated with ocean swimming.
As the summer season continues, local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of beachgoers and reinforcing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and beach advisories.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Drowning Death
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Safety Guidelines
- WRDW: Georgia Dad Dies in Rip Current off Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Island Packet: Local News Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- Hindustan Times: Indian Man Drowns at Hilton Head
- Google Search: Beach Safety Tips
- WTOC: Georgia Father Dies While Swimming
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Drowning
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.
