Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two, died after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island off Western Australia's coast on Saturday morning. According to multiple reports, Mattaboni was bitten on the lower leg around 9:55 AM local time at Horseshoe Reef and could not be revived despite efforts from his friends and emergency services.
Key Takeaways
A 38-year-old father of two died after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island off Western Australia's coast. His friends attempted to save him but were unsuccessful. Tributes poured in for the victim from his family, football club, and fishing community.
The incident occurred about 1 kilometer offshore while he was spearfishing with friends. He was transported by boat to shore at Geordie Bay on the island's north side, where paramedics attempted resuscitation. A rescue helicopter had been dispatched to evacuate him to a mainland hospital but arrived after he succumbed to his injuries.
Mattaboni was described as an avid fisherman and spearfisher by his wife, Shirene Mattaboni, who expressed her grief in a statement: “Steven was a devoted father... He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.” Tributes also came from the Kingsley Amateur Football Club, where he played as a premiership player and was remembered as a much-loved friend. The Australian Underwater Federation expressed sadness over his death.
According to Surf Life Saving WA, a five-meter white shark was spotted about 80 meters offshore around the time of the attack. Authorities urged extra caution in the Geordie Bay area following the incident. Rottnest Island, known for its natural beauty and as a popular tourist destination, measures approximately 11 km long by 4.5 km wide.
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