Perth Father Steven Mattaboni Killed in Rottnest Shark Attack During Spearfishing Trip

Perth father Steven Mattaboni has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack off Rottnest Island, with tributes pouring in for the 38-year-old spearfisherman remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and respected member of Western Australia’s diving community.

Mattaboni was spearfishing with three friends near Horseshoe Reef on Saturday morning when the attack happened around one kilometre offshore. Authorities said he suffered horrific injuries to his lower leg after being bitten by a shark while in the water.

Friends who witnessed the attack immediately pulled him from the ocean and brought him onto their boat, desperately performing CPR while racing back toward shore. Emergency services met them at Geordie Bay Jetty, where police officers and paramedics continued resuscitation efforts, but Mattaboni could not be revived.

The tragedy has shocked communities across Perth and Rottnest Island, especially among divers and fishers who knew Mattaboni as someone deeply connected to the ocean.

His wife, Shirene Mattaboni, released an emotional statement describing the devastating loss for their young family.

“Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,” she said.

“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea.

“He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.”

Shirene said the family’s “hearts are irrevocably broken” and thanked emergency crews and first responders who tried to save him.

The couple lived in Perth’s northern suburbs, where Mattaboni balanced family life with his passion for diving and fishing. He was also secretary of Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia, a respected spearfishing club with a strong following in WA’s ocean sports community.

Experienced spearfisherman remembered by diving community

Tributes quickly spread across social media and within Australia’s underwater sporting community following confirmation of Mattaboni’s death.

Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, said the incident had deeply affected spearfishers across the country.

“My heart goes out to his family, the club members and the people who were supporting him out on that dive,” Henderson said.

He acknowledged the risks associated with spearfishing, explaining that divers often take safety precautions including support boats, shark spotters and drones during organised competitions.

“Spearfishing … we understand it is a dangerous sport in some way, but we try to mitigate those risks,” he said.

Henderson also revealed there had been increased shark interactions during recent underwater sporting events along the WA coast.

“They’re coming in a lot closer [than usual] and we think it’s due to feeding patterns and global warming which is bringing them in closer to shore,” he said.

The comments come as authorities continue urging beachgoers, divers and fishers to stay alert in WA waters. Official shark activity alerts and beach safety information are available through SharkSmart WA.

Despite the fatal attack, beaches around Rottnest Island remained open over the weekend, though authorities advised visitors to exercise caution and monitor shark warnings carefully before entering the water.

WA leaders pay tribute after Rottnest shark attack

Western Australia Police Minister Reece Whitby paid tribute to Mattaboni and praised both his friends and emergency responders for their efforts during what he described as a confronting tragedy.

“I want to acknowledge the diver’s friends who played a critical role in doing the best they could to bring him back to shore,” Whitby said.

“My heart and thoughts go out to the man’s family, friends and loved ones.

“He loved the ocean and loved diving and it is just incredibly tragic.”

Whitby also thanked paramedics, police and emergency workers who responded at Geordie Bay Jetty.

“They all witnessed a very confronting, disturbing and tragic scene,” he added.

WA government minister Meredith Hammat also shared condolences, saying the loss was being felt across the state.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and his friends,” she said.

“It’s a tragic loss and I know it’s deeply felt right around the Western Australian community, particularly for those people who knew and loved him.”

The fatal incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by ocean users along Australia’s coastline, especially those involved in spearfishing where activity in the water can attract sharks.

Marine experts often advise divers to avoid isolated areas, stay close to support vessels, avoid poor visibility conditions and immediately leave the water if sharks are sighted nearby.

Swikblog recently covered another major shark safety incident involving Sydney beaches closing after increased shark activity linked to a whale carcass, reflecting growing concern around changing marine behaviour in Australian waters.

For Mattaboni’s family and friends, however, the focus remains on remembering a husband and father whose life revolved around family, friendship and the sea.

“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman,” Shirene said, “and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.”

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