An Italian surfer named Giulia Manfrini, 36, has died after being impaled in the chest by a sharp-billed fish while surfing off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The incident occurred in the Mentawai Islands, a remote area known for its surfing spots. Her business partner, James Colston, described the event as a “freak accident.”
“Despite the courageous efforts of her partner, local resort staff, and doctors, Giulia couldn’t be saved,” Colston stated on Instagram Sunday. “We take comfort in knowing she died doing what she loved in a place that held special meaning for her.”
Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands disaster management agency, reported that Manfrini was struck in the chest by a swordfish while surfing off the southern part of Siberut Island around 9:30 a.m. local time, as reported by the state news agency Antara.
A medical report indicated that Manfrini sustained a stab wound to the upper left chest, measuring approximately five centimeters deep, according to the agency.
Giulia Manfrini and her partner, James Colston, co-founded AWAVE Travel, a company that organized trips to sought-after surfing destinations, including the Mentawai Islands.
Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais shared on Instagram that their “client and friend” was “hit in the chest by a needlefish and died almost immediately.”
Both needlefish and swordfish are known for their long, sharp bills and the ability to leap out of the water, which can pose risks to humans, though fatalities are very rare.
Two witnesses who were nearby provided first aid and quickly transported her to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu health center, but, according to Siberut police and reported by Antara, she could not be saved.
The mayor of Venaria Reale, a town near Turin in northern Italy where Manfrini’s family resides, extended his condolences to her loved ones.
Fabio Giulivi expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “The news of her death has left us in shock and reminds us of our powerlessness in the face of such a tragedy that took her life so early. To her mother Chiara, father Giorgio, and all who loved her, I offer a heartfelt embrace on behalf of myself and the entire city.”
According to the AWAVE Travel website, Manfrini was a former professional snowboarder whose love for surfing took her around the globe in search of waves.
“Giulia had a way of making everyone fall in love with her smile, laugh, and boundless enthusiasm,” wrote Colston, the agency’s co-founder.
“We love you, Giulia. It breaks my heart to say goodbye.”