HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (Diya TV) — A Georgia father died after being caught in a strong rip current while swimming with his son at a beach in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. The tragic incident happened around 7:51 p.m. on July 24, according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
Saumen Kundu, 49, of Georgia, was visiting the island with his family when disaster struck. Kundu and his young son were swimming when a sudden rip current pulled them into deeper water. Bystanders on the beach heard their cries for help. Without hesitation, they jumped into the water to help. Emergency responders from Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue and Shore Beach Services arrived quickly at the scene.
First responders helped bring everyone — including the victims and the rescuers — back to shore. Once on land, lifesaving measures began immediately. Despite their efforts, Kundu was pronounced dead on the beach. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Officials are working to gather all details about the drowning. In a statement, the Coroner’s Office confirmed that Kundu died at 7:51 p.m. at a beach in the Sea Pines community.
“It was learned the victim and his son were caught in a rip current while in the water,” the statement said. “Hearing calls for help, bystanders entered the water to assist the victims. Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue, along with Shore Beach Services, arrived on scene and assisted in bringing both victims, as well as the bystanders, back to shore.”
Sadly, the father was later pronounced dead despite rapid rescue and medical efforts.
The tragic loss has left Kundu’s wife and son grieving and facing financial hardship. A family friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with funeral expenses and basic needs.
The family is seeking support from the community as they begin to navigate life without their husband and father. The Indian Consulate in Atlanta released a statement expressing its condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the news of a tragic drowning incident near Hilton Head Island that claimed the life of an Indian national,” the statement said.
The consulate added that it is working with local authorities and humanitarian groups to support the grieving family. Kundu’s death marks the fourth drowning in Beaufort County this summer. Authorities have issued warnings about dangerous rip currents and urged swimmers to take caution.
Earlier in July, a father and son were caught in rough waters off Hunting Island. The father drowned in that incident. On June 30, a 69-year-old man drowned near Coligny Beach Park after being pulled from the ocean. The next day, a 65-year-old photographer was found unresponsive in the water at Hunting Island State Park and was later pronounced dead.
These recent tragedies have sparked renewed calls for beach safety awareness and better public education on how to respond to rip currents.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow from the shore to deeper water. They can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Experts say the best way to escape a rip current is to swim parallel to the shore until free of the current, then head back to the beach at an angle.
Officials urge beachgoers to swim near lifeguards and watch for flags and signs that indicate dangerous conditions. Friends and family remember Kundu as a devoted father and kind man. His sudden death has shocked both the local and extended community.
The GoFundMe page in his memory has received messages of support and donations from people across the country. As the investigation continues, Kundu’s loved ones are focused on healing and honoring his life.
