An Italian surfer and travel company co-founder died after being struck by a swordfish while surfing off Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands on October 18, 2024.
Giulia Manfrini, 36, was surfing when a swordfish unexpectedly jumped toward her and pierced her chest, causing a two-inch deep wound. According to local authorities, fellow surfers attempted to assist but were swept away by a giant wave.
“It was a freak accident,” said James Colston, Manfrini’s colleague and co-founder of their travel agency. “She died doing what she loved in a place that she loved.”
Manfrini, who served as head of surf resorts sales at Awave Travel, received immediate first aid from two witnesses before being transported to a nearby medical center. Despite the efforts of her partner, resort staff, and medical professionals, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed the details of the swordfish strike. The Italian Embassy assisted in repatriating her body to Italy.
Fabio Giulivi, mayor of Manfrini’s hometown of Venaria Reale, Italy, expressed the community’s shock: “Surfing and opening a travel agency had been her double dream.”
Marine experts note that while swordfish attacks on humans are rare, they can be fatal due to the depth and severity of wounds caused by their sword-like snouts. Although these fish typically surface at night, daytime encounters are possible.
The resort where the incident occurred released a statement expressing condolences and confirming they provided support for the repatriation of Manfrini’s body. Before her death, Manfrini had built a following of over 22,000 Instagram followers and was known in the surf travel community for her enthusiasm for the sport.