Giulia Manfrini, 36, traically died off the coast of Masokut Island in Indonesia earlier this month – after a swordfish unexpectedly leaped out of the water and speared her in the chest
An Italian surfing star and influencer has left a community shocked and grief-stricken after she was suddenly speared by a swordfish and killed while out surfing in Indonesia.
Giulia Manfrini tragically died aged 36 off the coast of Masokut Island earlier this month. The area is a popular surfing destination amongst holidaymakers and is known for its stunning scenery and challenging waves.
According to local reports, a swordfish unexpectedly leapt out of the water and speared Giulia in the chest whilst she was surfing, leaving her with a two-inch-deep wound. She was rushed to a nearby health clinic for treatment, but her injuries were tragically too severe, and she passed away shortly after the attack.
The shocking incident has left loved-ones, as well as Giulia’s 22,000 Instagram followers, devastated. The 36-year-old, who regularly shared her sporting adventures online, was also a former professional snowboarder who co-founded AWAVE Travel – a company that helped thrill-seekers surf and snowboard around the globe.
Fans and fellow surfers flooded social media with touching tributes, with one fan commenting: “You surfed life and traveled the world doing what you loved most. Live enjoying life to the fullest and die doing what you love most.”
Giulia was described as being passionate about nature and extreme sports, and earned herself the nickname “surf frother” by fellow surfing pals. She also inspired several sporting enthusiasts through her work as an instructor, encouraging them to embrace surfing, and created experiences through her business that allowed trainees to hit their surfing milestones.
Her sudden death has highlighted the risks of extreme watersports. Although a swordfish attack is incredibly rare, the global surfing community have been left in shock as they try to navigate the loss of one of their own. Giulia was said to have lived her life without fear despite the risks associated with surfing and pursued her passion for surfing until it tragically claimed her life.
Her death comes just one month after a separate surging tragedy that had an equally devastating impact on the community. Surfer Jorge Alvarado passed away in late September after suffering a fatal head injury while surfing in Daytona Beach, Florida.
