An Italian surfer has died after being struck in the chest by a sharp-billed fish while surfing off Indonesia’s West Sumatra coast.

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.

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.

A surfer has died after being impaled by a swordfish in a freak accident in Indonesia. Giulia Manfrini, a 36-year-old Italian, was riding a wave when the swordfish reportedly leapt out of the water and struck her in the chest.

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 surfing in the Mentawai islands when a swordfish "suddenly jumped and struck her in the chest," officials said.

Giulia Manfrini, a 36-year-old from Italy, was the victim of a “freak accident” in waters off Indonesia, the co-founder of her travel company said.

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.