A young father killed in a devastating great white shark attack off Rottnest Island near Perth has been remembered by loved ones as a ‘devoted’ dad.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was attacked while spearfishing with friends on Saturday morning offshore from Horseshoe Reef near Geordie Bay.
While he was on the surface of the water, he was attacked by a shark at about 10am.
His friends battled to save his life, performing CPR as they raced him to Geordie Bay by boat, where paramedics were waiting, but he died despite their efforts.
Mattaboni’s wife Shirene issued a heartbreaking statement confirming the news.
‘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.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was attacked while spearfishing with friends on Saturday morning
He has been remembered by loved ones as a devoted dad of two
‘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.’
