A man who died after he was bitten by a shark off the coast of Rottnest Island at the weekend has been identified as prolific spearfisher and father-of-two Steven Mattaboni.
Mattaboni, 38, was taking part in a small scale spearfishing competition between friends just before 10am on Saturday when he was bitten on the lower legs while diving at Horseshoe Reef, about a kilometre from the beach in the north-west of the island.
It’s believed Mattaboni was on the surface at the time, about 20 metres away from one of his friend’s boats.
Mattaboni’s friends retrieved him from the water and gave him CPR on the way back to Geordie Bay jetty. They phoned emergency services on the way, who met the group and took over his care, but he could not be saved.
“The injuries were quite horrific,” Rottnest Island officer-in-charge Michael Wear said.
A five-metre great white shark had been recorded in the area about the same time Mattaboni was bitten.
The reef where Mattaboni was diving at the time of the attack is well known as a snorkelling and fishing spot, and is home to a number of pelagic fish. As a result, it is also frequented by sharks.
Mattaboni was a father of two, with his youngest girl born in January this year. His partner Shirene posted to social media on Sunday thanking everyone for their well-wishes and messages.
She later issued a statement.
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as ‘Mattas.’,” she said.
“Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters – one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby.
“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea.
“He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.
“We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who worked so tirelessly to save him.
“As we try to navigate this incomprehensible loss and grieve the extraordinary man we loved so much, we respectfully ask the media and the public for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mattaboni was also a prolific and talented spearfisherman, diver and fisher, and his friends could be seen consoling one another from their boat docked at the Geordie Bay jetty on Saturday. He was part of a tight-knit spearfishing group of friends who frequently posted to social media about their adventures.
Mattaboni was an active member of Recfishwest, and had worked on its Spearfishing Equity Working Group, which aimed to “remove impediments to ensure equitable management arrangements for spearfishers in areas such as marine parks”.
Mattaboni was also the secretary of Bluewater Freedivers of WA.
WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development had been notified of the incident. It said it was working with local authorities and would provide further information.
