Indian man drowns at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, son rescued alive

Saumen Kundu, an Indian man, drowned at Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina where he came on a short trip from Georgia. According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and local media reports, the incident took place around 7:51 pm Thursday when Kundu and his son were swept into a rip current.

At about 7 p.m., Hilton Head Fire Rescue’s 911 Center received a report of multiple swimmers in distress in the area of South Sea Pines Drive at beach marker 5.

When Hilton Head Fire Rescue arrived at the scene, they located two people in the water. Fire Rescue and Shore Beach Services went into the water and got both of the swimmers out. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the father and son were the two swimmers caught in rip current. Once they were taken on shore, lifesaving efforts were started but the father could not be revived.

The son was rescued unharmed.

We are deeply saddened by the news of a tragic drowning incident near Hilton Head Island that claimed the life of an Indian national. Consulate is coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian groups and extending full support to the family during this difficult time.

— India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) July 25, 2025

According to reports, Kundu, an employee of Cognizant is in the US on an H-1B visa. He traveled to Hilton Head earlier that day with his wife Nivedita, their son and Nivedita's mother for a short family trip.

Kundu's colleague started a GoFundMe page to raise fund for his family. "His family is in deep shock and facing financial hardship as they navigate this sudden loss. He leaves behind his wife and one son, who now need our support to cover essential expenses and begin healing," the campaign read. "Entire fundraising will be used towards his Family Support (Funeral, unforeseen expenses etc.)" it said.

The Consulate General of India in Atlanta issued a statement on Kundu's death. “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 consulate said in a statement posted on X. “Consulate is coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian groups and extending full support to the family during this difficult time.”