Australian Father Dies In Horrific Shark Attack While Spearfishing Off Rottnest Island

A 38-year-old Australian father-of-two has died after a shark attack while spearfishing off Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination near Perth, Western Australia. Steven Mattaboni, who was with three friends about 1 kilometer offshore at Horseshoe Reef on Saturday, May 17, was bitten on the lower leg in an attack described by police as “horrific.” Despite urgent efforts by his companions and emergency responders, Mattaboni could not be revived.

Mattaboni’s death marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia this year, following a similar incident in New South Wales in January. Authorities have confirmed the attack involved a 4-meter (13-foot) shark, though the species has not been officially identified. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. Local time, with beaches on Rottnest Island remaining open but under heightened caution.

Tributes pour in for “one-of-a-kind” father

Mattaboni’s wife, Shirene Mattaboni, described him as an “incredible father” to their two young daughters—one turning three next month and a four-month-old baby. She shared a statement calling him a “truly one-of-a-kind gentleman” and an “avid fisherman” who “lived and breathed the ocean.”

“Steven was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back,” she said. “The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.”

Tributes also came from the Kingsley Amateur Football Club in Perth, where Mattaboni played. The club called him “one of the most genuine people you could meet,” noting his “smile and presence that could light up a room.” The Australian Underwater Federation, the peak body for spearfishing, expressed condolences to his family and fellow divers, emphasizing the rarity of such attacks.

Safety warnings issued for Rottnest Island

Western Australian authorities have urged beachgoers to remain vigilant and monitor shark warnings following the incident. Rottnest Island, known locally as Wadjemup, is a 19-square-kilometer island 18 kilometers west of Fremantle and a major tourist attraction with a permanent population of 166 but swelling to 15,000 during peak seasons. The island’s name, derived from the Noongar language, translates to “place across the water where the spirits are,” reflecting its cultural significance.

Spearfishing, a popular activity in the region, has been highlighted as a risk factor in recent shark encounters. Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that while such incidents are rare, they underscore the need for caution. “My heart goes out to his family, the club members, and the people who were supporting him out on that dive,” Henderson said.

Context: Rising shark interactions in Australia

Australia has seen a rise in shark encounters in recent years, though fatal attacks remain statistically uncommon. The most recent fatal incident before Mattaboni’s death occurred in January 2026 in New South Wales. Environmental factors, including changing ocean temperatures and shifting marine ecosystems, have been cited as possible contributors to increased shark activity near coastal areas.

Rottnest Island’s waters are home to a variety of shark species, including great whites, though interactions with humans are typically non-lethal. Authorities have not issued a blanket closure for the island but have advised swimmers and divers to adhere to local guidelines, including avoiding areas with recent shark sightings.

As the community mourns Mattaboni, emergency services and local organizations continue to emphasize safety measures for those engaging in water-based activities in Western Australia.