Surfer, 36, dies after being impaled by swordfish in freak accident in Indonesia

A swordfish impaled and killed a 36-year-old surfer out catching a wave in a freak accident in Indonesia.

Giulia Manfrini was struck in the chest by the swordfish that apparently leapt out of the water, according to witnesses, Telegraph reported.

She reportedly had a 5cm-deep stab wound on the left side of her chest.

Two people nearby tried to save her, according to local media.

The surfer was taken to a local clinic but could not be saved.

The incident occurred off Indonesia's West Sumatra coast, ABC (Australia Broadcasting Corporation) reported.

Manfrini graduated in law.

She initially worked as a snowboarding coach.

She then learned surfing and worked as a surfing instructor when she moved to Bali.

Her body would be repatriated to Italy.

Tributes

Tributes to the surfer have emerged on her social media account.

Manfrini was recognised as a prominent figure in surfing, Newsweek reported.

One comment said: “The sea, that gave you so much, has taken your life. Rest in peace”.

Manfrini was a law graduate from the town of Venaria Reale, where her father was a lawyer and her mother a general practitioner, The Standard reported.

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of her home town, said: “The whole community offers its condolences to her family."

“The news of her death has shocked us all, we feel helpless in the face of a tragedy that cut short her life so prematurely.”

Death by swordfish rare

Human fatalities caused by swordfish are extremely rare.

Adult swordfish can grow up to 4.5m and weigh around 450kg.

Top photo via Giulia Manfrini Instagram