Surfing Star’s Unfortunate Death by Needlefish Leads Famous Surf Destination Take Crucial Steps Toward Surfer’s Safe
Are the Mentawai Islands becoming too dangerous for surfers, or is it just a tragic coincidence?
Surfers are often on high alert for shark encounters while surfing, but an attack from a fish? That’s nearly unheard of—until recently. Just weeks ago, a tragedy struck in the waters of Masokut Island in Indonesia’s Mentawai archipelago, claiming the life of 36-year-old veteran surfing coach Giulia Manfrini. It was supposed to be another exhilarating day in the waves, but fate had an original plan. As she surfed, a needlefish—resembling a miniature swordfish with a slim, pointed bill—suddenly leaped from the water, striking Manfrini squarely in the chest.
The incident was so quick that she didn’t even have a moment to react, yet she managed to signal to her friends nearby, fellow surfing stars Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas, who watched in disbelief as the freak accident unfolded before them. Acting fast, Ferro and Ribas provided first aid and rushed Manfrini to the Pei Pei Pasakiat Taileleu Health Center in a seven-minute boat ride. Yet, despite their heroic efforts, the clinic couldn’t save her life. She had suffered a five-centimeter-deep stab wound to her chest’s upper left side.
Manfrini, originally from the Piedmont region of northern Italy, had over 20,000 Instagram followers, where her photos showcased her surfing and beach life in tropical locations. After graduating in law, she began her career as a snowboarding coach, later moving to Bali to pursue her passion for surfing and work as an instructor. In the aftermath of this devastating incident, the resort where she had been staying has taken crucial steps to enhance safety measures for surfers navigating these unpredictable waters.
Following the tragic loss of Giulia Manfrini, Alexandre Ribas, owner of Hidden Bay Resort, opened up with The Inertia about the glaring safety issues in the Mentawai Islands. Despite the $130 tax every surfer pays to visit the area, Ribas expressed frustration with the local government’s lack of support for the region’s hospital. “It’s been almost five years that guests have been paying that and nothing (has been done) by the government. They don’t give anything back to the surfers.”
Do you believe the Mentawai Islands should be held accountable for the safety of surfers?
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