Surfer dies after being struck, impaled by swordfish

( KTLA ) — A longtime surfer and travel guide died after being impaled by a swordfish off the coast of Indonesia.

The 36-year-old Italian surfer, identified as Giulia Manfrini by her business partner, was struck in the chest by the swordfish while surfing west of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean, BBC News reported.

Two witnesses are said to have tried to provide first aid to Manfrini, who was later taken to a medical center, according to the report.

“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,” travel company AWAVE, of which Manfrini was a co-founder, posted on Instagram Friday.

Swordfish have a long sharp bill, or rostral bone, that can be dangerous to humans but fatalities are extremely rare.

Manfrini posted an image of herself surfing in Indonesia on her Instagram page about a week before the tragic accident.

“We love you Giulia. I am so sorry to say goodbye,” AWAVE co-founder James said in the company’s post.

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