Giulia Manfrini, a former professional snowboarder, tragically lost her life while surfing at Beng Bengs, a popular left-hand break near Masokut Island in the Southwest Siberut district, on October 18. The fatal incident occurred when she was impaled by the sharp bill of a needlefish. Witnesses, who were also foreign surfers, saw her signal for help and quickly provided first aid before rushing her to a nearby health facility. Despite their efforts, she could not be saved.
Medical staff at the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center found that she had sustained a stab wound around five centimeters deep in her upper left chest. Additionally, foam was observed coming from her nose, which suggested that she may have experienced oxygen deprivation, possibly from drowning.
This tragic event is not the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. Marine biologist Antonio Di Natale explained that the attack was likely caused by an imperial needlefish, a species also found in the Mediterranean, although there have been no recorded attacks in that region. He noted that identifying the specific species responsible for such incidents can be challenging, especially without direct witnesses. Other fish known for similar attacks include swordfish and black marlin. The imperial needlefish, with a rostrum that can grow up to 30 cm in length, can be particularly dangerous when it leaps out of the water, striking humans with lethal force.
A similar incident took place in December 2023 when Italian surfer Alberto Marcon was impaled by a needlefish off Sumbawa. Fortunately, Marcon survived after surgery for a punctured lung. In 2020, a 16-year-old boy from Buton, Indonesia, was struck in the neck by a needlefish while fishing and also survived following medical intervention.
Manfrini’s tragic death brings to mind the loss of Eric Soreker, a seasoned surfer who drowned in June while surfing at Rags Left in Indonesia. His passing occurred shortly after an article was published, exploring the many dangers surfers face in Indonesia’s waters.
Born in Venaria Reale, Piedmont, Manfrini had an extensive career as a snowboarder before dedicating herself to surfing. She lived and worked in various countries, including Portugal, Spain, Indonesia, Australia, and Panama, and co-founded a travel company that specialized in surf and snow experiences.
The loss of Manfrini has left a deep impact on the surfing community.
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