Italian surfer Giulia Manfrini has died after being impaled by a needlefish while “doing what she loved” in remote Indonesia.
The 36-year-old from Turin suffered the freak accident while surfing off the Mentawai Islands in the West Sumatra Province on Friday.
Despite efforts from her partner, local resort staff and doctors, she died.
READ MORE: Horror sight greeted family when they emerged from hiding
“She was hit in the chest by a needlefish and died almost immediately,” Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais said.
“Unfortunately, in this case, there was nothing we could do and we provided all the necessary support to help with the procedures for repatriating the body.”
Co-founder of her surf travel company AWAVE Travel, James Colston, said Manfrini’s “infectious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all that came in contact with her”.
“We believe she died doing what she loved, in a place that she loved,” he said.
“Giulia couldn’t travel without people falling in love with her smile, laugh and endless Stoke. Anyone was lucky to have her on board a charter or surf trip.
“We love you Giulia. I am so sorry to say goodbye.”
READ MORE: Liam Payne had multiple drugs in his system, initial autopsy says
Mayor of her town in Venaria Reale, Fabio Giulivi Sindaco, said the community are heartbroken and gathering around her family.
“The news of her death has left us shocked and makes us feel powerless in front of the tragedy that took her life so prematurely,” he said.
“To mum Chiara, dad Giorgio and all the people who loved her, a touched hug from me and the whole city.”
Needlefish have long and slim jaws lined with sharp teeth and are adept jumpers.
They are typically found in tropical waters.
links to content on ABC
9News
