Surfer dies after being attacked by Indonesian swordfish

Tributes have been paid to a diver who died after reportedly being bitten by a swordfish in Indonesia.

Giulia Manfrini, 36, from Turin in northern Italy, had been diving in the waters of the Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra province, before the incident on Friday, according to reports.

Two witnesses are said to have tried to give first aid to Ms Manfrini – who was taken to a medical center – after the swordfish struck her in the chest.

James Colston, who founded the travel company with Ms Manfrini, said on Instagram: “Even with the valiant efforts of her partner, resort staff and doctors, Giulia could not be saved.”

“The information we received from the Head of the Southwest Region of Siberut is that the accident occurred with an Italian citizen while surfing,” said Lahmudin Siregar, the acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), told Antara media.

He added: “Unexpectedly, the swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck him directly in the chest.”

Mr Colston said his former colleague had suffered a “freak accident”, adding that “we believe he died doing what he loved, in the place he loved”.

“Giulia was the backbone of this company and her contagious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all who met her,” he said.

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of Mrs. Manfrini’s hometown, Venaria Reale, said: “The news of her death has left us stunned and makes us feel powerless in the face of the tragedy that took her life too soon.

He added that surfing and opening a travel company have been his “double dream”.