An Italian surfer hunting for waves off the west coast of Sumatra died after she was stabbed in the chest by the bill of a swordfish, in what is being considered a freak accident.

Italian surfer and coach Giulia Manfriri was killed last week in Sumatra, Indonesia, after a swordfish impaled her in the chest, according to reports. Manfrini, 36, was surfing a left off Masokut Island in the Mentawais on October 18 when a swordfish lept from the water,

Giulia Manfrini has died at the age of 36 after being fatally impaled by a swordfish during a freak incident. The Italian thrill-seeker was killed while surfing at a popular surf break off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, earlier this month.

An Italian surfer died on Oct 18 after being impaled by a swordfish in the waters of West Sumatra in Indonesia. Ms Giulia Manfrini, 36, was surfing at the Mentawai Islands Regency - a popular surfing destination - when the incident occurred.

In a tragic and highly unusual incident, Italian surfer Giulia Manfrini, 36, has died after being struck by a swordfish while surfing off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The accident occurred near the waters of Ombak Bengbeng,

An Italian surfer has died in a rare and tragic accident after being struck by a swordfish while surfing off Indonesia's West Sumatra coast.

Italian national Giulia Manfrini was killed by a swordfish while surfing at a popular Mentawai surf spot off the west coast of Sumatra, in Indonesia last Friday. The 36-year-old was impaled while catching a wave off Masokut Island, suffering a 5cm deep wound in the upper-left side of her chest.

Giulia Manfrini was killed while surfing in Indonesia, where a swordfish unexpectedly jumped up toward her and “pierced her chest,” according to local officials. She was 36.

"Unfortunately, even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia couldn't be saved," said AWAVE Travel in a statement