Fatal shark attack on Rottnest Island spearfisher Steven Mattaboni
Consensus Summary
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two from Perth’s northern suburbs, died on May 17, 2026, after a shark attack while spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island. The incident occurred around 9:55 AM when Mattaboni was bitten on the leg by a shark, with friends and emergency responders performing CPR en route to shore but unable to revive him. A five-metre white shark was later spotted 80 metres offshore near the attack site. Mattaboni, a spearfishing club secretary and avid fisherman, was described by his wife and community as devoted, generous, and deeply connected to the ocean. Authorities confirmed beaches remained open with heightened caution, while experts linked increased shark activity to feeding patterns and global warming. The tragedy has prompted safety reviews and emotional tributes from local clubs and WA Premier Roger Cook, who urged support for the grieving family.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Steven Mattaboni, 38, was killed by a shark while spearfishing off Rottnest Island on May 17, 2026, at Horseshoe Reef.
- The attack occurred at approximately 9:55 AM local time on Saturday, May 17, 2026.
- Mattaboni was bitten on the lower leg and suffered 'horrific' injuries before being pulled onto a boat by friends.
- Friends performed CPR on the boat, and paramedics/police continued CPR at Geordie Bay Jetty but were unable to revive him.
- A five-metre white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore near the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA.
- Mattaboni was a father of two young daughters (ages 3 months and 3 years) and lived in Perth’s northern suburbs.
- Mattaboni was secretary of the spearfishing club Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia.
- Rottnest Island beaches remained open after the attack, with authorities urging caution and monitoring shark warnings.
- A rescue helicopter was dispatched to Rottnest Island (19km off Fremantle) to evacuate Mattaboni to the mainland.
- WA Premier Roger Cook called the attack 'deeply distressing' and urged impacted individuals to seek support.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Mattaboni was spearfishing with three friends about 1 kilometre offshore.
- Graham Henderson (Australian Underwater Federation president) noted increased shark interactions in WA due to feeding patterns and global warming.
- Henderson mentioned safety measures like drones and safety boats in competitions but acknowledged recreational spearfishers are more vulnerable.
- Police and ambulance crews rushed to Geordie Bay Jetty following the attack.
- Mattaboni was a surveyor by profession.
- His wife, Shirene Mattaboni (a clinical nurse specialist), described him as 'fiercely loyal, endlessly generous' and a 'one-of-a-kind gentleman'.
- Mattaboni was a premiership player and 'much loved friend' at Kingsley football club in Perth’s north.
- The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged extra caution in the Geordie Bay area.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states Mattaboni was bitten 'on the lower leg,' while the Guardian does not specify the exact injury location beyond 'bitten by a shark.'
Source Articles
Rottnest shark attack victim identified as Steven Mattaboni
The 38-year-old Perth man who died while spearfishing off the coast of Western Australia's Rottnest Island on Saturday morning is identified as father-of-two Steven Mattaboni.
‘Fiercely loyal, endlessly generous’ father named as victim of Rottnest Island shark attack
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was a ‘one-of-a-kind gentleman’ and devoted parent to two young daughters, his wife Shirene says Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A father of two young daughters, husband and avid fisher has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack at Rottnest Island in Western Australia. Steven Mattaboni, 38, a surveyor from Perth, was in the water at Horseshoe Reef about 9.55am on Saturday when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark, police