An Italian surfer has died after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident off the coast of Indonesia.
Giulia Manfrini was surfing when a swordfish reportedly leapt from the water and struck her in the chest.
The 36-year-old was riding a wave on Masokut Island – a well-known surfing destination in the Mentawai archipelago – when the tragic incident happened
Two fellow surfers, identified as Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas, witnessed the accident and rushed to assist her, providing first aid.
An Italian surfer has died after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident off the coast of IndonesiaInstagram/ @giuliamanfriniShe suffered a deep stab wound on the left side of her chest and was transported to a local clinic.
Manfrini, originally from Piedmont in northern Italy, was a passionate surfer with over 20,000 followers on Instagram.
Her social media showcases her love for surfing and life by the sea, with photos from various tropical locations.
It is understood that she worked as a surfing instructor in Bali.
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Authorities arranged to transport her remains by boat to Padang’s port on Sumatra’s west coast, from where they would be sent back to Italy.
Manfrini previously said in an interview that she loves surfing in the “wilderness of North Sumatra”.
“Surfing wise, I love the wilderness of North Sumatra – the rainforest there is so primordial and gorgeous,” she told The Salt Sirens in 2019.
“I love sitting in the lineup with few friends, listening only to the sounds of the jungle, and waiting for a set which I already know will be perfect and will deliver some barrels.”
Giulia Manfrini was surfing when a swordfish reportedly leapt from the water and struck her in the chest (stock image)
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Deaths caused by swordfish are extremely rare and highly uncommon.
In 2015, fisherman Randy Llanes lost his life after being impaled by a swordfish in Hawaii.
Llanes had jumped into the water to spear the fish, but it struck him in the chest.
He was already deceased by the time he reached the hospital.