Karmactive Staff
Giulia Manfrini, a 36-year-old Italian surf coach and travel entrepreneur, died after a swordfish impaled her while surfing off Masokut Island in Indonesia’s Mentawai archipelago.
According to eyewitness reports, Manfrini was surfing off Masokut Island when a swordfish leapt from the water, striking her in the chest. The impact left a wound approximately 5 centimeters (1.97 inches) deep on the left side of her chest.
Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas were among those who provided first aid at the scene after witnessing the tragedy unfold. Fellow surfers transported her to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center. Medical reports indicated foam around her nose, suggesting oxygen deprivation from drowning. Despite rescue efforts, Manfrini did not survive.
Manfrini, from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy, was a former professional snowboarder. She co-founded AWAVE Travel, an online company specializing in surf and snow experiences.
James Colston, who set up the travel agency with Manfrini, said on Instagram: “Even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia couldn’t be saved.” He added, “Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all that came in contact with her.”
The news resonated deeply in her hometown of Venaria Reale, Italy. Mayor Fabio Giulivi wrote on Instagram: “The entire Venarian community is gathering around Giulia Manfrini’s family. The news of her death has left us shocked and makes us feel powerless in front of the tragedy that took her life so prematurely.”
Similar Posts
Surf charter operator Naga Laut Mentawai Blue wrote on social media: “It is with an extremely heavy heart! RIP our beautiful, friendly, always smiling and happy friend Giulia Manfrini. One who had such a deep love and overflowing excitement for life!”
Marine incidents involving swordfish and needlefish are documented in Indonesian waters. In December 2023, Italian surfer Alberto Marcon suffered a punctured lung from a needlefish strike while surfing in Sumbawa’s coast.
Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), told news agency Antara: “The information we received from the Head of Southwest Siberut District was that an accident occurred with an Italian citizen while surfing. Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest.”
According to reports, arrangements are being made to transport Manfrini’s body back to Italy.
Manfrini studied law at university before choosing a career as a surfing instructor. She amassed a following of 27,900 fans on Instagram, sharing her journey through photos and videos of her time in and out of the surf.
All information in this article is sourced directly from reported eyewitness accounts, official statements, and social media posts documented in the source material.
