Key Takeaways
- Steven Mattaboni, a 38‑year‑old surveyor and devoted father of two, died after a shark bite at Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, on Saturday morning.
- Emergency services responded swiftly, but Mattaboni could not be revived despite being brought to shore and air‑lifted for medical care.
- His wife, Shirene, described him as a loyal, generous man who lived for the ocean and praised the efforts of first responders.
- The Kingsley Football Club, Western Australia’s premier, and local authorities expressed deep condolences and urged anyone affected to seek support.
- A five‑metre white shark was sighted nearby; authorities warned beach‑goers to exercise extra caution in Geordie Bay.
- Western Australia Police will prepare a coroner’s report to investigate the circumstances of the fatal attack.
Overview of the Tragic Incident
On Saturday morning at approximately 9:55 am, Steven Mattaboni, a 38‑year‑old surveyor residing in Perth, was swimming at Horseshoe Reef on the north side of Rottnest Island when he suffered a fatal shark bite. Witnesses and emergency personnel reported that the incident occurred suddenly while he was in the water, prompting an immediate call for help. The location, Horseshoe Reef, is a popular snorkelling and diving spot known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a frequent destination for both tourists and locals engaged in water‑based recreation.
Details of the Attack and Rescue Efforts
Following the bite, Mattaboni was retrieved from the water by fellow beach‑goers and transported by boat to the shore at Geordie Bay, the nearest accessible point on the island’s northern coastline. Paramedics met him there and initiated resuscitation efforts, but despite their best attempts, he could not be revived. A rescue helicopter, dispatched from the mainland, landed on the island to facilitate a rapid evacuation to a hospital; however, the severity of his injuries meant that medical intervention was unsuccessful. The coordinated response involved Surf Life Saving WA, Western Australia Police, and ambulance services, all of whom arrived within minutes of the alarm being raised.
Victim’s Personal Background and Family Statement
Steven Mattaboni was described by his wife, Shirene Mattaboni—a clinical nurse specialist—as a “devoted father” to their two young daughters, one aged three (turning four next month) and the other four months old. In a heartfelt statement released to the media, Shirene recalled Steven’s love for the ocean, noting that he was an avid fisherman and spearfisherman who “lived and breathed the sea.” She highlighted his loyalty, generosity, and the willingness to “give you the shirt off his back,” emphasizing the profound void his loss has left in their family. Shirene also expressed gratitude to the emergency personnel who tried to save him and requested privacy as the family navigates their “incomprehensible loss.”
Community and Sporting Club Tribute
The news of Mattaboni’s passing resonated deeply within his local community, particularly at the Kingsley Football Club in Perth’s north, where he had been a premiership player and a much‑loved teammate. The club posted on social media that they were “deeply saddened” by the loss, describing Mattaboni as “one of the most genuine people you could meet” whose smile and presence could “light up a room.” They extended their thoughts and love to his wife Shirene and their two daughters, urging anyone who knew him to hold his memory close. The outpouring of support from teammates, friends, and neighbours underscored the impact he had on those around him.
Official Responses from Government Leaders
Western Australia’s Premier, Roger Cook, addressed the tragedy in a public statement, labeling the attack “deeply distressing” and a “tragedy that will be felt by all Western Australians.” He offered his “heartfelt condolences” to Mattaboni’s family and friends and thanked the first responders and emergency personnel for their rapid response. Premier Cook also encouraged anyone affected by the incident to seek support, highlighting the availability of counseling services and community resources for those grappling with grief or trauma resulting from the event.
Shark Sighting and Safety Warnings
In the aftermath of the attack, Surf Life Saving WA reported that a five‑metre white shark was spotted approximately 80 metres offshore around the time of the incident. This sighting prompted the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to issue a warning urging beach‑goers to exercise extra caution in the Geordie Bay area, particularly during early morning hours when shark activity can be more prevalent. Authorities reminded the public to heed shark‑alert flags, avoid swimming alone, and stay informed about local marine conditions before entering the water.
About Rottnest Island and Broader Context of Shark Encounters
Rottnest Island, measuring roughly 11 kilometres long by 4.5 kilometres wide, lies about 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle and is a renowned tourist destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and the quokka population. While shark encounters are relatively rare, Western Australia’s coastline does experience periodic interactions, particularly with species such as the great white shark. The state maintains a network of shark‑monitoring programs, aerial patrols, and public education campaigns aimed at minimizing risk while preserving marine ecosystems. The incident at Horseshoe Reef serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of ocean environments, even in popular recreational locales.
Ongoing Investigation and Coroner’s Report
Western Australia Police have confirmed that they will compile a detailed report for the coroner to examine the circumstances surrounding Mattaboni’s death. The report will likely include analyses of eyewitness accounts, emergency response timelines, environmental conditions, and any relevant data from shark‑monitoring systems. While the coroner’s process may take several weeks or months, its findings will contribute to a better understanding of the event and may inform future safety recommendations for water users in the region.
Closing Reflections on Loss and Support
The loss of Steven Mattaboni has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and the wider community that admired his zest for life and his devotion to those he loved. As his wife Shirene noted, the world has lost a “one‑of‑a‑kind gentleman,” and his daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon. In the wake of such tragedy, community leaders and mental‑health professionals alike emphasize the importance of reaching out for support—whether through counseling, peer groups, or simply sharing memories with those who knew him. By honoring Mattaboni’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love for the ocean, those left behind can find strength in collective remembrance and the shared hope that such rare events will continue to be met with vigilance, compassion, and respect for the sea.