Surfer dies after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident in Indonesia

A surfer has died after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident in Indonesia.

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

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

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

She reportedly had a two-inch 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 series of tributes were paid to her on her Instagram account.

One wrote: ‘The sea, which has given you so much, has taken your life. Rest in peace.”

Another wrote: “Just heard the terrible news. TEAR.”

Manfrini had graduated in law from the town of Venaria Reale, where her father was a lawyer and her mother a general practitioner.

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of her hometown, said: “The entire community extends its condolences to her family.

“The news of her death has shocked us all. We feel helpless in the face of a tragedy that ended her life so prematurely.”

Manfrini studied law, but initially worked as a snowboard coach.

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

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

Human deaths caused by swordfish are extremely rare. These fish are found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters, with adults growing up to 4.5 meters in length and weighing approximately 450 kg.