Devastating Shark Attack Off Rottnest Claims Life of Father of Two Steven Mattaboni
A deadly shark attack off the coast of Western Australia has claimed the life of a 38-year-old father, sending shockwaves through the local diving community and reigniting concerns about ocean safety around popular reef waters.
Authorities have identified the victim as Steven Mattaboni, a Perth father of two who was spearfishing with friends near Horseshoe Reef, roughly one kilometre offshore from Rottnest Island. What began as a routine early-morning dive turned into a sudden and violent encounter when he was bitten on the lower legs by what is believed to have been a large shark, reportedly a white shark.
According to police accounts, Mattaboni was in the water alongside three companions when the attack occurred. His friends acted immediately, pulling him from the water and onto their boat. In a desperate effort to save his life, they performed CPR while racing back toward shore. Emergency services were waiting at Geordie Bay Jetty, where paramedics and police continued life-saving attempts. Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.
The severity of his injuries has been described as catastrophic, with officials confirming significant trauma to his lower limbs. The incident unfolded quickly, leaving witnesses and rescuers with what authorities have called an extremely distressing scene.
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Beyond the tragedy itself, the loss has deeply affected Mattaboni’s family. His wife described him as a devoted father to two very young daughters, one just months old and the other not yet three years old. She spoke of a man deeply connected to the ocean, someone who lived for the water and the community around it.
Mattaboni was also known within spearfishing circles as an active and respected member of a local freediving club, where he served in a leadership role. Tributes from the diving community have highlighted both his passion for the sport and the risks that come with it.
Despite the fatal attack, authorities have kept beaches on Rottnest Island open, though they continue to urge caution and close monitoring of shark warnings. Experts and sporting officials have noted increasing shark activity in some coastal areas, raising ongoing questions about ocean safety and changing marine conditions.
As investigations continue, the incident has left a grieving family, a stunned community and a renewed national conversation about the risks faced in Australia’s coastal waters.
Stay with us as we continue to follow developments on this story and bring verified updates as they come in from authorities and local officials.
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