In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves through Western Australia and beyond, 38-year-old Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni, a loving father of two young daughters, was killed in a ferocious shark attack while spearfishing near the idyllic shores of Rottnest Island on Saturday morning.

The incident unfolded around 9:55 a.m. at Horseshoe Reef, approximately one kilometer offshore from the popular tourist destination. Mattaboni was in the water with three close friends, enjoying what should have been a perfect day of adventure in the clear blue waters. Witnesses described a sudden and terrifying burst of violence as a massive great white shark, estimated at 4 to 5 meters (13-16 feet) long, struck without warning. The predator inflicted devastating bites to his lower legs, leaving him with horrific injuries.

His loyal friends sprang into action, heroically pulling the injured man from the bloodied water onto their boat. They performed CPR desperately as they raced toward Geordie Bay jetty on the north side of the island. Paramedics and police were waiting and continued life-saving efforts, including additional CPR for nearly 30 minutes, but sadly, Mattaboni could not be revived. A rescue helicopter had even landed on the island in a bid to rush him to mainland medical care, but it was too late.

Mattaboni, a surveyor from Perth, was remembered by his wife Shirene as a “one-of-a-kind gentleman” — fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and a devoted family man. The couple shared two young daughters, and the family’s world has been shattered in an instant. “Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as Mattas,” Shirene said in an emotional tribute. He was an avid and experienced spearfisherman who cherished the ocean, a passion that ultimately led to this unthinkable fate.

Rottnest Island, famous for its pristine beaches, quokkas, and holiday vibes just 19km off Fremantle, now carries a grim shadow. A 5-meter white shark was reportedly spotted around 80 meters offshore around the time of the attack, heightening fears among locals and tourists. While shark encounters are rare, this marks Western Australia’s first fatal incident in over a year, reigniting debates about ocean safety, drone surveillance, and protective measures in popular diving spots.

Friends and the broader community have rallied in grief, praising the bravery of the men who risked their own lives to save their mate. Yet the pain remains raw — a young father gone in minutes, two little girls left without their dad, and a wife facing a future she never imagined. In the days ahead, as investigations continue and the island reopens to nervous visitors, Mattaboni’s story serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s untamed power. What began as a joyful outing among friends ended in unimaginable horror, leaving behind questions, tributes, and an enduring void in the hearts of all who knew him.