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The Mentawai Islands are considered a surfer's paradise
Tributes have been paid to a surfer who died after being impaled by a swordfish in Indonesia.
Giulia Manfrini, 36, from Turin in northern Italy, was surfing in the waters of the Mentawai Islands regency in West Sumatra province before Friday's incident, according to reports.
Two witnesses reportedly attempted to provide first aid to Ms Manfrini – who was later taken to a medical center – after a swordfish struck her in the chest.
James Colston, who set up a travel company with Ms Manfrini, said on Instagram: “Even with the courageous efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia could not be saved.”
“The information we received from the head of the southwest Siberut district was that an accident occurred with an Italian citizen while he was surfing,” Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Regional Agency, was quoted as saying. of Mentawai Islands Regency Disaster Management (BPBD), to Antara News Agency.
He added: “Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and hit her right in the chest.”
Mr Colston said his former colleague had suffered “a freak accident”, adding that “we believe she died doing what she loved, in a place she loved”.
“Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious enthusiasm for surfing, snow and life will be remembered by all who came in contact with her,” he said.
Fabio Giulivi, mayor of Venaria Reale, Ms. Manfrini's hometown, said: “The news of her death has left us in shock and makes us feel helpless in the face of the tragedy that took her life so prematurely.”
He added that surfing and opening a travel agency were his “double dream”.
