An Italian surfer was killed after being impaled by a swordfish while surfing in the waters of the Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Province in Indonesia, despite onlookers’ efforts to save her.

According to the BBC, Giulia Manfrini, a 36-year-old surfer from Turin in northern Italy, was given first aid and was later taken to a medical centre after being struck in the chest by a swordfish. Unfortunately, she could not be saved.

In an Instagram post, James Colston, who set up a travel agency with Manfrini, said: "Even with the brave efforts of her partner, local resort staff and doctors, Giulia couldn't be saved."

Colston added that his former colleague had suffered "a freak accident", adding that "we believe she died doing what she loved, in a place that she loved".

"Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all that came in contact with her," he said.

"The information we received from the Head of Southwest Siberut District was that an accident occurred with an Italian citizen while surfing," Lahmudin Siregar, acting head of the Mentawai Islands Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), reportedly told news agency Antara.

He added: "Unexpectedly, a swordfish jumped towards Manfrini and stuck her right in the chest".

Fabio Giulivi, the mayor of Manfrini's hometown Venaria Reale, said: "The news of her death has left us shocked and makes us feel powerless in front of the tragedy that took her life so prematurely.”

Previous research has suggested attacks by swordfish are rare but they can be dangerous when provoked. They can jump and use their swords to pierce their target.