In a tragedy that has shattered a family and sent shockwaves through a tight-knit community, 38-year-old Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni was killed in a brutal shark attack while spearfishing off the picturesque shores of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The devoted father of two young daughters left behind a grieving wife and two little girls who will grow up without their loving dad — all in a matter of terrifying seconds.

The horror unfolded on Saturday morning around 9:55am near Horseshoe Reef, a popular spot for divers and fishermen just off the holiday island near Perth. Mattaboni, an experienced spearfisherman and surveyor, was in the water with a small group of close friends when the unthinkable happened. Witnesses described a massive great white shark — estimated at 4 to 5 metres (13-16 feet) long — surging from the depths with terrifying speed.

According to accounts, Mattaboni’s young daughter, who had been watching from the boat with wide-eyed innocence, suddenly let out a piercing scream just three seconds before the attack. “Daddy!” her desperate cry echoed across the water — a haunting warning that came too late. In an instant, the predator struck, savagely biting both of his lower legs. Friends heroically rushed to his aid, pulling him from the bloodied water and racing him by boat to the Geordie Bay jetty. Paramedics fought desperately to save him, but his injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at medical care.

Mattaboni, affectionately known as “Mattas” among his mates, was remembered as a fiercely loyal husband, endlessly generous friend, and an incredible father. His wife, Shirene, released a heartbreaking statement: their hearts were “irrevocably broken.” She described him as a doting dad to their two beautiful daughters — one turning three soon and the other just four months old. “The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon,” she wrote.

The attack has left the Rottnest Island community reeling. Tourists continued visiting the popular holiday destination the following day, but many did so with visible nervousness. Locals and visitors alike are now confronting the raw reality that even in these crystal-clear, seemingly safe waters, danger can strike without warning. Friends from his AFL club, Kingsley Football Club, described him as someone whose smile could light up any room — a genuine, larger-than-life personality who will be deeply missed.

This latest incident adds to a string of serious shark encounters in Australian waters, reigniting debates about ocean safety, beach patrols, and the balance between human recreation and marine wildlife. For Mattaboni’s family, however, statistics and discussions offer little comfort. What remains is an unimaginable void — a father’s laughter silenced, two tiny girls who will only know their dad through stories and photos, and a wife forced to face life without her partner.

As tributes continue to pour in from across Australia and beyond, the image of a little girl’s scream cutting through the morning air lingers as a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be. One moment of joy on the water turned into eternal heartbreak. The ocean claimed another soul, leaving a family forever changed.