Fatal shark attack on Rottnest Island claims life of Perth father 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 near Horseshoe Reef on Rottnest Island. The incident occurred around 9:55 AM when a large white shark bit him on the legs approximately 1 kilometer offshore. Friends immediately pulled him onto their boat and performed CPR, rushing him to Geordie Bay Jetty where paramedics and police attempted to revive him, but he could not be saved. The attack was witnessed by his companions, who described it as sudden and without warning. Authorities confirmed the shark was about 4 to 5 meters long, and a GoFundMe page raised significant funds for his family. Mr. Mattaboni was a devoted spearfisherman, member of the Bluewater Freedivers club, and a premiership player for Kingsley Football Club, known for his kindness and generosity. His wife, Shirene, described him as a loving father and husband, and the community has rallied around his family in the wake of the tragedy. Rottnest Island beaches remained open, but authorities advised caution due to increased shark activity.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Steven Mattaboni, 38, died in a shark attack while spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, on Saturday, May 17, 2026, around 9:55 AM local time.
- Mr. Mattaboni was bitten on his legs by a large shark approximately 1 kilometer offshore.
- Friends pulled Mr. Mattaboni onto their boat and performed CPR before rushing him to Geordie Bay Jetty, where paramedics and police attempted resuscitation but were unable to save him.
- A 4-meter (or 5-meter, as per one source) white shark was spotted near the attack site around the time of the incident.
- Steven Mattaboni was a father of two daughters, aged 2 and 4 months, and lived in Perth’s northern suburbs.
- Mr. Mattaboni was a member of the Bluewater Freedivers club and served as its secretary.
- A GoFundMe page was set up to support Mr. Mattaboni’s family, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Mr. Mattaboni was a premiership player for Kingsley Football Club and was described as a ‘charismatic, funny, and hardworking’ individual by friends.
- Rottnest Island beaches remained open after the attack, with authorities advising caution and monitoring shark warnings.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Liam Thomas, a close friend of Mr. Mattaboni, stated there was ‘absolutely no warning’ before the attack and described Mr. Mattaboni as having ‘no signs of danger’ before being bitten.
- Mr. Mattaboni was diving with three friends at the time of the attack.
- Mr. Mattaboni’s family remains ‘absolutely heartbroken,’ and the community has shown overwhelming support through donations and tributes.
- Sergeant Michael Wear, officer in charge at Rottnest Island, described the scene as ‘chaotic’ and noted that a trauma doctor from Melbourne was holidaying on the island and assisted in the rescue efforts.
- The attack occurred while Mr. Mattaboni was swimming back to his boat on the surface, not while diving.
- Western Australia’s premier, Roger Cook, expressed condolences and urged those impacted by the tragedy to seek support.
- A 5-meter white shark was spotted 80 meters offshore around the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian and NEWSCOMAU report the shark was 4-5 meters long, while ABC does not specify the shark’s size.
- ABC and NEWSCOMAU state Mr. Mattaboni was spearfishing when attacked, while NEWSCOMAU also notes he was swimming back to his boat on the surface at the time of the attack, which could imply he was not actively spearfishing at the moment of the bite.
Source Articles
'No warning': Close friend of Rottnest shark attack victim pays tribute
The best friend of a Perth father killed by a shark off Rottnest Island says there was "absolutely no warning" before the attack.
‘Chaotic’: Horror of fatal shark attack
A first responder has described the tragic scene that unfolded on Rottnest Island following a shark attack that killed Perth father-of-two Steven Mattaboni.
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