Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, October 22, 2024 — Italian surfer Giulia Manfrini, 36, has tragically died after being impaled by a sharp-billed fish while surfing in Indonesia’s remote Mentawai Islands. A freak accident occurred on Sunday morning when Manfrini was struck in the chest by a swordfish as she surfed off Siberut Island, West Sumatra.
According to Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands disaster management agency, Manfrini was hit by fish around 9:30 a.m. local time. Despite the efforts of her partner, resort staff, and doctors, she succumbed to her injuries. A medical report confirmed that she suffered a stab wound to the upper left chest, penetrating about five centimeters.
James Colston, Manfrini’s business partner and close friend, expressed his grief in a heartfelt statement on Instagram. “Unfortunately, even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff, and doctors, Giulia couldn’t be saved. We believe she died doing what she loved, in a place that she loved.”
Manfrini was co-founder of AWAVE Travel, a company she had built with Colston to organize surf trips to destinations like the Mentawai Islands. Islands are renowned among surfers for their waves and remote beauty, but a tragic accident highlights the unpredictable dangers of the sea.
Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais, where Manfrini had been staying, also shared his sorrow, confirming that his “client and friend” had been struck by a needlefish, a species similar to swordfish with a long, sharp bill capable of causing serious injury. Needlefish and swordfish are known to jump out of water at high speeds, but fatal accidents involving these creatures are extremely rare.
Two witnesses were present at the time of the incident and administered first aid. Despite her best efforts and a rushed attempt to get her to Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu health center, Manfrini’s life could not be saved, according to local police reports.
The accident has sent shockwaves through surfing and travel communities, and in Italy, where Manfrini’s hometown of Venaria Reale mourns her loss. Mayor Fabio Giulivi expressed condolences to her family, saying, “News of her death has left us shocked and makes us feel powerless in front of tragedy that took her life so prematurely. To mum Chiara, dad Giorgio, and all the people who loved her, a touch hug from me and the whole City.”
Manfrini had a rich background in outdoor sports, previously competing as a professional snowboarder before dedicating herself to surfing. According to AWAVE Travel’s website, her passion for surfing took her across the globe, chasing waves and inspiring ors with her infectious enthusiasm and smile.
Colston remembered her fondly in his post, writing, “Giulia couldn’t travel without people falling in love with her smile, laugh, and endless Stoke.”
Manfrini’s tragic passing has left a profound void in the surfing community, with tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and surfers worldwide who had been touched by her vibrant spirit and love for the ocean.
