HILTON HEAD, S.C. — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reports that a 49-year-old man from Georgia died when he and his son became entangled in a severe rip current off the shore of Hilton Head Island.
The drowning happened on Thursday at approximately 7 p.m. while the dad, Saumen Kundu, was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean with his son. Before first responders arrived, nearby beachgoers apparently heard his cries for assistance and tried to save him.
Emergency Crews Attempted Lifesaving Measures
The man and his son were successfully dragged back to shore by witnesses and rescuers. Kundu was declared dead on the beach despite prompt attempts to save his life.
According to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office authorities, who verified the death in a public statement, “They did everything they could.”
The child’s condition has not been disclosed as of Friday.
Rip Currents Remain a Serious Threat Along the Carolina Coastline
This sad event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that rip currents offer, particularly during the busiest beach season. Swimmers have frequently received warnings from the National Weather Service to:
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Stay near lifeguarded beaches
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Never swim alone
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Know how to escape a rip current
by swimming
parallel to the shore
instead of against the current
Whether there were any rip current warnings in effect on Thursday night has not been disclosed by authorities.
Have you or a loved one encountered rip currents in Hilton Head or other beaches in South Carolina? Send us your comments and safety advice at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
