Devoted Perth Father Taken by Ocean Encounter Leaves Behind Heartbroken Young Daughters Still Asking for Their Dad

Steven Mattaboni lived with a quiet passion that many who knew him described as unbreakable. The 38-year-old surveyor from Perth’s northern suburbs balanced demanding work days with weekends spent chasing the horizon, always returning home to the laughter of his two young daughters. On a bright Saturday morning in mid-May 2026, that same love for the water drew him to Horseshoe Reef, just off the shores of beloved Rottnest Island. What began as a familiar outing among friends ended in a sudden and life-changing event that has since touched communities far beyond Western Australia.

Mattaboni, affectionately called “Mattas” by his mates, joined three close friends for a relaxed spearfishing session around 9:55 a.m. on May 16. The group had chosen a popular spot about one kilometre offshore, where clear waters and abundant marine life often rewarded experienced participants. Steven was roughly 20 metres from the boat, resting on the surface, when authorities later confirmed he experienced a serious encounter with a large great white shark estimated at four metres in length. His companions responded immediately, pulling him aboard and rushing toward Geordie Bay jetty. Paramedics and police performed CPR for more than 30 minutes upon arrival, but despite every effort, he could not be revived.

The news spread quickly, but it was the personal details of the family he left behind that resonated most deeply with people around the country and beyond. Steven was the devoted father to two beautiful little girls — one turning three next month and the other just four months old. In the days since, stories have emerged of the profound void now felt in their home. Close relatives and friends describe quiet evenings where the toddler wanders through the house clutching a favourite toy, her small voice repeatedly asking, “Where is Daddy?” The baby, too young to form words, still senses the shift in the household rhythm, her cries sometimes echoing the unspoken ache shared by everyone who loved the family.

Shirene Mattaboni, a clinical nurse specialist, released a deeply moving statement the day after the incident. “Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven,” she wrote. She spoke of him as a fiercely loyal husband, endlessly generous friend, and above all a devoted father who cherished every moment with his daughters. “Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,” she continued. “The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.” Those words, paired with family photographs showing Steven smiling beside his wife and girls on sunlit beaches, have circulated widely, drawing an outpouring of shared sorrow.

Rottnest Island, fondly nicknamed “Rotto,” has long served as a weekend escape for Perth families. Its white sands, friendly quokkas, and turquoise waters create an image of paradise that contrasts sharply with the events of that morning. Horseshoe Reef sits in an area known for its appeal to spearfishers who appreciate the challenge and connection to nature it offers. Mattaboni had spent years building his skills in these waters, always approaching the ocean with respect and preparation. Friends recalled how he often spoke about one day bringing his daughters along on gentle boat trips, teaching them to appreciate the sea as he did.

Those who knew Steven described a man who lived fully. As a surveyor, he brought precision and reliability to his professional projects. Away from work, he competed in local Australian Rules Football and served as a key member of the Bluewater Freedivers community. His generosity stood out — the kind of person who would quietly help a friend with boat repairs or share his catch after a successful day. Colleagues remembered his easy smile and steady presence, while teammates highlighted his sportsmanship both on and off the field.

The immediate response from emergency services highlighted the tight bonds within the spearfishing group. His companions worked under pressure to bring him to shore, demonstrating the camaraderie that forms in shared ocean pursuits. Police later confirmed they would prepare a standard report for the coroner, while authorities from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development identified the shark as a great white. A separate sighting of a larger five-metre individual in the area prompted additional safety alerts, though beaches on the island remained accessible with increased caution encouraged.

In the wider community, the story of the two young daughters has become a focal point of collective empathy. Social media platforms filled with messages from parents imagining similar scenes in their own homes — toddlers asking innocent questions that carry heavy weight. One widely shared post captured the sentiment: a photograph of Steven holding his eldest daughter on his shoulders during a beach day, accompanied by the simple caption reflecting on how quickly life can change. Supporters have offered practical help, from meal deliveries to childcare assistance, aiming to ease the burden on Shirene in the early days of grief.

Broader conversations have naturally turned toward ocean safety in Western Australia. The state’s coastline attracts millions seeking recreation, yet encounters with marine life remain part of that reality. Experts note that great white sharks frequent these waters seasonally, often following prey patterns. Spear fishing, while rewarding, involves elements such as fish movement and scent that can draw attention in the underwater world. Mattaboni’s experience and preparation were never in question; rather, the event serves as a reminder of nature’s power even for those deeply familiar with it.

Memorial tributes continue to flow from multiple directions. The Kingsley Football Club where Steven played posted warm recollections of his contributions both as an athlete and community member. Diving groups shared safety refreshers and stories of his positive influence. Online forums in Perth and beyond feature threads where people reflect on balancing adventure with responsibility, many expressing renewed appreciation for time spent with loved ones.

For the Mattaboni family, the coming weeks and months will carry unique challenges. The eldest daughter’s approaching third birthday, once a celebration filled with her father’s planning, now holds different meaning. Friends speak of gentle ways the family hopes to keep Steven’s memory alive — through stories of his ocean adventures, photographs around the home, and perhaps future trips to the water where he felt most at peace. Shirene’s statement emphasised the desire to focus on the positive legacy he built in his relatively short but full life.

Rottnest Island authorities have reiterated standard visitor guidance without restricting access to popular areas. Ferry services continue, and holidaymakers are reminded to swim in groups and stay alert to any marine warnings. The island’s management carefully balances its role as a tourism drawcard with the need for respect toward the surrounding environment. Many visitors arriving in the days after the incident reported a quieter atmosphere, with people pausing to reflect on the stories they had read.

Marine researchers have contributed context to public understanding. Great whites serve important ecological roles as apex predators, helping maintain balance in ocean systems. Most interactions with humans remain brief and investigative, though the size and strength of these animals mean outcomes can be significant. Tracking data shows seasonal patterns around Rottnest, influenced by water temperatures and food sources. Such information helps inform guidelines while preserving access for those who approach the sea responsibly.

In homes across Australia and internationally, the image of two small girls growing up without their dad has sparked wider reflection. Parents share how the news prompted extra hugs with their own children. Online parenting communities discuss ways to talk about loss with young ones, emphasising honesty wrapped in love and memory-keeping. The universality of the family element — a father who simply wanted to enjoy a hobby and return home — connects with readers on a fundamental level.

Steven’s surveying career also receives mention in tributes. Colleagues describe a professional who brought enthusiasm and attention to detail to every project, whether mapping new developments or ensuring accuracy in complex sites. His ability to switch between focused work and relaxed weekend pursuits earned respect from those around him. Many note that his example of work-life balance, centred on family time, left a lasting impression.

As the official investigation proceeds, the focus for those closest to the family remains support and healing. Donations and offers of assistance have helped address immediate needs. Plans for a celebration of life are forming, expected to reflect Steven’s vibrant personality — perhaps incorporating elements of the ocean he loved so much. Friends anticipate stories of memorable dives, football matches, and quiet family moments shared in laughter and remembrance.

The waters around Rottnest Island continue their timeless rhythm, sparkling under the sun as they have for generations. For those who venture there, the events of May 16 add another layer to the respect the ocean commands. Steven Mattaboni’s story highlights both the joy and the realities of embracing nature fully. His daughters will grow up hearing about a father who taught them, even in absence, the value of passion, kindness, and connection to the world around them.

In the quiet moments at home, when little voices once again ask about Daddy, the answers will come wrapped in love and shared memories. The community that mourns alongside the family carries hope that those memories will provide comfort and strength in the years ahead. Steven’s legacy lives on not only in the hearts of those who knew him but in the broader reminder to cherish time with loved ones and approach the sea with both wonder and care.