Georgia Man Drowns Off South Carolina Coast After Rip Current Incident Near Hilton Head
HILTON HEAD, S.C. — A 49-year-old Georgia man has died after he and his son became caught in a dangerous rip current off the coast of Hilton Head Island, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The drowning occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday, when the man — identified as Saumen Kundu — was swimming with his son in the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby beachgoers reportedly heard his calls for help and attempted a rescue before first responders arrived.
Emergency Crews Attempted Lifesaving Measures
Witnesses and emergency personnel were able to pull both the man and his son back to shore. Despite immediate life-saving efforts on the beach, Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene.
“They did everything they could,” noted officials from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, who confirmed the fatality in a public release.
As of Friday, the condition of the child has not been released.
Rip Currents Remain a Serious Threat Along the Carolina Coastline
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the hazards posed by rip currents, especially during peak beach season. The National Weather Service has regularly warned swimmers to:
- Stay near lifeguarded beaches
- Never swim alone
- Know how to escape a rip current by swimming parallel to the shore instead of against the current
Authorities have not indicated whether any rip current warnings were in place on Thursday evening.
Have you or someone you know experienced rip currents at Hilton Head or other South Carolina beaches? Share your safety tips and thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
