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Father-of-two dies in shark attack off Perth coast
A 38-year-old Australian man has died after a shark mauled him while spearfishing near Rottnest Island on Saturday morning, authorities confirmed.
Steven Mattaboni was diving with friends approximately one kilometer offshore at Horseshoe Reef when a four-meter shark attacked him around 10:00 local time. The animal bit his lower leg in what police called a "horrific" incident. Despite his friends rushing him back to shore, emergency crews were unable to revive him.
Family remembers devoted husband and father
Mattaboni leaves behind his wife, Shirene, and their two young daughters-a three-year-old who will turn four next month and a four-month-old infant. In a heartfelt statement, Shirene described her husband as an "incredible father" who "lived and breathed the ocean."
"Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters... Our hearts are irrevocably broken."
Shirene Mattaboni
She praised him as "fiercely loyal, endlessly generous," and a man who "would give you the shirt off his back."
Community mourns beloved sportsman
The Kingsley Amateur Football Club, where Mattaboni played, paid tribute to him as a "much-loved friend to many." In an online post, the club remembered him as "one of the most genuine people you could meet," whose "smile and presence could light up a room."
Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. Speaking to the ABC, he extended his condolences to Mattaboni's family, club members, and the friends who were with him during the dive.
"Spearfishing is a dangerous sport in some ways, but we try to mitigate those risks... When people do it recreationally, that's probably when they're most vulnerable."
Graham Henderson, Australian Underwater Federation
First responders and officials react
WA Police Sergeant Michael Wear revealed Mattaboni was about 20 meters from his boat when the attack occurred. "The friends witnessed the horrific event," he told local media.
State Police Minister Reece Whitby later commended the efforts of Mattaboni's friends and emergency responders who attempted to save him. "They all witnessed a very confronting, disturbing, and tragic scene," he said.
Investigation underway
The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed receiving a report of a man bitten by a four-meter shark. Police will compile a report for the coroner as part of the investigation.
