News Summary
A 49-year-old man lost his life while trying to save his son from a rip current in Hilton Head Island. Witnesses attempted a rescue, but despite efforts, the man was pronounced dead. Authorities highlight the importance of beach safety as this marks the fourth drowning incident in Beaufort County this summer.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — A tragic drowning incident occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when Saumen Kundu, a 49-year-old man from Cumming, Georgia, lost his life while trying to save his 11-year-old son, Akash, from a strong rip current. The incident took place around 7 p.m. near the Sea Pines community, highlighting the dangers posed by ocean conditions.
Gavin Stokes, a visitor from California, responded to the cries for help from Kundu and his son after witnessing the struggle in the water. Stokes entered the rough surf, aided by his sister, Erica Boulay, who assisted by tossing a life preserver to him. Stokes described the rip current as extremely strong, complicating the rescue effort. He managed to reach Kundu and Akash, but found Kundu unresponsive, face down in the water. Stokes attempted rescue breathing on Kundu while using the safety ring to keep him afloat. Together with Akash, he worked against the current to bring Kundu back to the shore.
As Stokes and Akash fought the waves, Boulay called 911 for a rescue boat, but no assistance arrived in time. It took nearly 20 minutes to finally swim back to the beach due to the powerful current. On the shore, first responders commenced CPR on Kundu for approximately half an hour; however, he was pronounced dead at 7:51 p.m.
While Akash was unharmed, he was understandably devastated over the loss of his father. Stokes, recognizing the emotional impact of the tragedy, aimed to provide support to the young boy in this challenging time. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this incident marked the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer, emphasizing the ongoing risks posed by the water.
Kundu, an Indian national according to the Indian Consulate in Atlanta, had been the sole provider for his family. The consulate expressed condolences and is coordinating support for Kundu’s family during this devastating period. In light of this incident, local authorities have been urged to implement improved beach safety measures, which could include enhanced signage, more emergency equipment, and better training resources for beachgoers to mitigate risks in future situations.
As part of the response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Kundu’s family as they navigate through this overwhelming loss. Although Kundu attempted to save his son, his bravery led to a tragic outcome, bringing to light the urgent need for preventive actions regarding beach safety and awareness of rip currents.
The circumstances surrounding why no rescue boats were dispatched during the critical time remain unclear, as authorities have not issued any comments on this matter. Families and beach visitors alike are reminded of the dangers of the ocean and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while enjoying coastal activities.
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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
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- WJBF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Hilton Head drowning
- Times of India
- Google Search: Beach Safety Measures
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.
