An Italian surfer tragically died after being impaled by a swordfish while surfing in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands. Giulia Manfrini, 36, was struck in the chest by the sharp-billed fish in what has been described as a “freak accident.”
According to Lahmudin Siregar, the acting head of the Mentawai Islands’ Disaster Management Agency, the accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. off Siberut Island. Two individuals nearby provided first aid before rushing her to a local health center, but despite their efforts, Manfrini succumbed to her injuries, including a five-centimeter-deep stab wound to her chest.
“Unfortunately, even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff, and doctors, Guilia couldn’t be saved,” said her business partner, James Colston, in an Instagram post. “We believe she died doing what she loved, in a place that she loved.”
Manfrini was the co-founder of AWAVE, a travel company, alongside Colston, who described her as the “lifeblood” of the business.
The chances of swordfish attacks on humans during the day are rare, according to marine expert Su Nan-Jay, but the possibility remains, given the strength and sharpness of the fish’s bill.
