News Summary
A tragic drowning incident occurred at Hilton Head Island involving a 49-year-old man, identified as Saumen Kundu from Georgia, while vacationing with his son. Caught in a rip current, both father and son struggled in the water until rescuers arrived. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, Kundu was pronounced dead, and his son was safely rescued. This incident marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, intensifying concerns about beach safety and rip currents. The Indian Consulate is reaching out to Kundu’s family to offer support during this difficult time.
Hilton Head Island Reports Drowning Incident Involving Georgia Man
On July 24, 2025, a drowning incident occurred at Hilton Head Island involving a 49-year-old man identified as Saumen Kundu from Georgia. The tragic event took place while Kundu was vacationing with his son at South Sea Pines Drive, near beach marker 5, when both individuals became caught in a rip current.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a water emergency call around 7 p.m. after bystanders witnessed the distressing situation and promptly entered the water in an attempt to help Kundu and his son. Emergency services, including Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services, quickly arrived on the scene to rescue both swimmers from the water.
After being retrieved from the water, efforts to resuscitate Kundu began immediately upon reaching the shore. Despite the quick actions of both bystanders and first responders, Kundu was pronounced dead at approximately 7:51 p.m. His son, fortunately, survived the incident and was removed from the water safely.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances of Kundu’s death. This incident marks the fourth drowning occurrence in Beaufort County during the summer of 2025, raising serious concerns about water safety in the area.
Earlier this summer, other drowning incidents included a father who drowned while attempting to rescue his son at Hunting Island, a 69-year-old man who drowned near Hilton Head’s Coligny Beach Park, and a 65-year-old photographer who drowned at Hunting Island State Park. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of rip currents, which have proven deadly to beachgoers this season.
Response from the Indian Consulate
The Indian Consulate in Atlanta has acknowledged that Saumen Kundu was an Indian national and is currently extending condolences to the family while offering to coordinate necessary support during this difficult time.
Emphasis on Water Safety
- Always swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Learn to identify the signs of a rip current before entering the water.
- Be aware of local weather and water conditions.
- Never swim alone, and watch out for others who may be in distress.
- If caught in a rip current, remain calm, conserve energy, and attempt to swim parallel to the shore until free from the current’s grip.
By remaining vigilant and informed about the risks associated with swimming in natural bodies of water, beachgoers can significantly improve their safety and the safety of others. The operations by local emergency services in the recent incidents demonstrate the dedicated response efforts to protect the public and highlight the importance of heeding water safety advice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Drowning Death
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WSAV: Drowning Confirmed on Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- Live Mint: Hilton Head Drowning Indian Man Saumen Kundu Identified
- Google Search: Hilton Head drowning
- WTOC: Georgia Father Dies Drowning While Swimming with Son
- Google News: Hilton Head Island 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.
