An Italian surfer tragically passed away after being struck by a swordfish while surfing off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Giulia Manfrini was the co-founder and head of surf resorts sales at Awave Travel, which shared the news of her passing on Instagram. She was surfing in the Mentawai Islands at the time.

At the age of 36, Manfrini’s life was cut short when a swordfish speared her in the chest, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which cited Lahmudin Siregar, the acting head of the Mentawai Islands’ Disaster Management Agency.

Siregar indicated that the swordfish “unexpectedly jumped towards Manfrini and pierced her chest,” the report detailed.

She sustained a serious chest wound about 2 inches deep and displayed signs of drowning. Her remains have been transported to Padang City and will later be sent to Italy, as per the outlet’s reports.

James Colston, her co-founder and friend, announced her death on the company’s Instagram page on Saturday.

“Giulia was surfing in a remote part of Indonesia when a freak accident occurred,” he shared in his statement. “Despite the courageous efforts of her partner, local resort staff, and medical professionals, we couldn’t save her. We believe she passed doing what she cherished, in a place she adored.”

Others aided the surfer despite being swept away: report

Alexandre Ribas, one of the owners of Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais, recounted the incident to The Inertia, a surfing publication. He witnessed Manfrini being struck on the left side of her chest while she waited for a wave.

Upon being hit, she cried out, which alerted other surfers nearby. She then fell off her board, and while other surfers rushed to assist her, they were also swept away by the waves, the outlet reported. Eventually, they managed to get her to the beach, but their efforts to save her were unsuccessful.

At the time of her tragic accident, Manfrini was a guest at Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais. The resort expressed their condolences on social media, describing her as “a client and friend who died in a heartbreaking incident while riding one of the region’s most inviting waves.”

Resort staff assured on Instagram that they prioritize the safety of their guests with safety measures and first aid facilities accessible both at the resort and on their boats.

“Sadly, in this situation, there was little we could do, but we offered all necessary support for the arrangements concerning her repatriation,” the resort wrote on Instagram. “We recognize, however, that she continued to pursue what she loved most, without suffering.”

‘We love you’: Community honors the fallen surfer

Originally from Italy, Manfrini was also noted for her achievements as a former professional snowboarder, according to her bio on the Awave Travel website. In addition to surfing, she enjoyed songwriting, dancing, and playing beach volleyball.

Photographer Megan Costello reminisced about meeting her seven years ago during a surf charter in Mentawai.

“Giulia was an icon who embraced life to the fullest,” Costello expressed. “Her positivity, contagious laughter, and pure joy in the water will always inspire me.”

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of Manfrini’s hometown, Venaria Reale in Italy, extended his condolences via social media, emphasizing community support for her family. He remarked that learning about her death was shocking and described it as a tragedy.

Colston, her co-founder at Awave Travel, described her as the “lifeblood” of the organization. He noted how many people were drawn to her warmth and spirit.

Colston expressed his affection, stating he adored Giulia’s smile and laughter.

“We love you, Giulia,” Colston shared on social media. “I truly regret having to say farewell.”