Surfer dies after being spiked on chest by swordfish in freak accident in Indonesia

Monday, October 21, 2024 -A surfer has d!ed after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident in Indonesia. 

Giulia Manfrini, 36, was riding a wave when the swordfish leapt out of the water and struck her in the chest, according to witnesses. 

The incident happened on Masokut Island, a favourite spot with surfers off the west coast of Sumatra. 

Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas who were nearby tried to save her, according to local media. 

She reportedly had a five-centimetre deep stab wound on the left side of her chest.
The surfer was taken to a local health clinic but could not be saved. 

A string of tributes were paid to her on her instagram account. 

One wrote: “The sea, that gave you so much, has taken your life. Rest in peace”. 

Another wrote: “I just heard the dreadful news. RIP.” 

Manfrini was a law graduate from the town of Venaria Reale, where her father was a lawyer and her mother a GP. 

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of her home town, said: “The whole community offers its condolences to her family. 

“The news of her de@th has shocked us all, we feel helpless in the face of a tragedy that cut short her life so prematurely.” 

Manfrini graduated in law but had initially worked as a snowboarding coach. 

She then learned surfing and moved to Bali, where she worked as a surfing instructor. 

Officials planned to transport her body by boat to the port of Padang from where it would be repatriated to Italy.