Getty ImagesTributes have been paid to a surfer who died after allegedly being stabbed by a swordfish in Indonesia.
According to reports, Giulia Manfrini, 36, from Turin, northern Italy, had been surfing in the waters of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra province, before Friday’s incident.
Two witnesses are said to have tried to give first aid to Ms Manfrini – who was later taken to a medical center – after a swordfish stabbed her in the chest.
James Colston, who founded the travel company with Ms. Manfrini, said on Instagram: “Even with the heroic efforts of his partner, local resort staff and doctors, the Giulia could not be saved.”
Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regional Disaster Management Authority (BPBD), told news agency Antara: “The information we received from the Head of the Southwestern Siberut District is that an accident has occurred. happened to an Italian citizen while surfing.”
He added: “All of a sudden, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and hit her straight in the chest.”
Mr Colston said his former colleague had been in “a horrific accident” and added that “we believe she died doing the job she loved, in the place she loved”.
“Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious passion for surfing, snow and life will be missed 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 left us shocked and feeling helpless before the tragedy that took her life too soon.”
He added that surfing and opening a travel company were her “dual dreams.”
