The man killed in a shark attack while spearfishing off Rottnest Island has been identified as father-of-tw...
while spearfishing off Rottnest Island has been identified as father-of-two Steven Mattaboni. The 38-year-old died on Saturday after he was attacked by what's believed to be a white shark near Horseshoe Reef, off the island near Perth.
Mattaboni, from Perth, had been in the water with friends when the shark attacked about 20 metres from their boat. Steven Mattaboni, his wife, Shirene, 33, and their two children. His mates pulled him on board and rushed him to the nearest jetty at Geordie Bay as paramedics prepared to respond.
"His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event," Sergeant Michael Wear said on Saturday. Rottnest Island beaches have remained open following the attack, which claimed the life of Steven Mattaboni. "Certainly quite horrific scenes for all involved, and all emergency services that were there did a fantastic job.
"Surf Life Saving WA later confirmed a five-metre white shark was seen about 80 metres offshore on Sunday morning, as patrols continued around the island. Despite CPR from his friends and emergency crews, he could not be saved. Rottnest Island beaches have remained open following the attack, with shark experts maintaining that the overall risk to swimmers and surfers remains low.
"I'd be more concerned if the bite occurred right on the beach, but its a long way off shore," he said. The island, a popular tourist destination off Perth known for its beaches and quokka population, can be reached by ferry from the mainland. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been notified and is working with local authorities following the fatal attack.
Australia recorded the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world last year, according to figures released by the International Shark Attack File in February. Five people died in shark attacks in Australian waters in 2025, with great white sharks linked to several of the incidents. Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man in critical condition after Rottnest Island shark attackThe incident happened just before 10am on Saturday morning near Geordie Bay, one of the island’s northern beaches.
Read more »
Perth father Steven Mattaboni identified as victim of Rottnest Island shark attackA man who died after he was bitten by a shark off the coast of Rottnest Island at the weekend has been identified as prolific spearfisher and father-of-two Steven Mattaboni.
Read more »
Perth father Steven Mattaboni identified as victim of Rottnest Island shark attackA man who died after he was bitten by a shark off the coast of Rottnest Island at the weekend has been identified as prolific spearfisher and father-of-two Steven Mattaboni.
Read more »
Shark attack victim named as prominent spearfisher Steven Mattaboni in Rottnest Island battleA 38-year-old man died after being bitten by a shark during a small-scale spearfishing competition in Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Read more »