A surfer has tragically died after being impaled by a swordfish in a rare accident off the coast of Indonesia.
Giulia Manfrini, 36, was riding a wave when the swordfish suddenly leapt from the water and pierced her chest, according to eyewitnesses.
The incident occurred on Masokut Island, a popular surfing destination off the west coast of Sumatra.
Nearby surfers Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas rushed to her aid, local media reported. Manfrini suffered a five-centimetre deep stab wound on the left side of her chest.
Despite being transported to a local health clinic, she could not be saved.
Tributes poured in for her on her Instagram page. One user wrote: “The sea, that gave you so much, has taken your life. Rest in peace.” Another simply said: “I just heard the dreadful news. RIP.”
Manfrini was a law graduate from Venaria Reale, where her father worked as a lawyer and her mother as a GP.
Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of her hometown, expressed his condolences, stating: “The entire community offers its heartfelt sympathy to her family. We are all shocked by the news of her death, a tragedy that has taken her so young.”
Though she had a law degree, Manfrini initially worked as a snowboarding coach before learning to surf. She later moved to Bali, where she became a surfing instructor.
Authorities planned to transport her body by boat to the port of Padang, from where it would be repatriated to Italy.
