Italian Surfer Dies from Swordfish Attack

SEAToday.com, Jakarta-Mentawai Islands Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Head Lahmudin Siregar reported that an Italian surfer died after being struck in the chest by the snout of a swordfish (Xiphias gladius) while surfing at Bengbeng Wave Waters, Masokut Island, Friday (10/18).

AWAVE travel’s co-founders James Colston stated that his friend and his business partner, Giulia Manfrini (36) encountered this “bad accident” when she was surfing in the Mentawai Islands.

“Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia could not be saved,” Colston said in AWAVE’s official Instagram post on Sunday (10/20).

He continued, “We believe she died doing what she loved, in a place she loved.”

According to the Siberut Police, Manfrini signaled for help by waving to two foreign witnesses, Alexandre Ribas and Massimo Ferro. They quickly provided first aid and transported her to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center, but unfortunately, her life could not be saved.

The medical team at Pei Pei Health Center said that Manfrini sustained a five centimeter stab wound to the upper left side of her chest. The medical report also stated that the victim’s nose was frothing, allegedly due to lack of oxygen from drowning.

Her body was taken to the Pei Pei Community Health Center before being transported by boat to Padang City for repatriation to her home country, Italy.

Writer: Adilah Izzatuddiny