The pristine, azure waters off Rottnest Island are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, drawing divers, fishermen, and ocean enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Yet, beneath the tranquil surface of this coastal paradise, a sudden and profound tragedy has unfolded, leaving a community shattered and a young family navigating an unimaginable void. Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two, tragically lost his life doing what he loved most, reminding us all of the fragile boundary between human passion and the unpredictable forces of nature.
Mr. Mattaboni, a respected resident of Perth’s northern suburbs, was embarking on what was meant to be a routine, joyful Saturday morning with his closest companions. An experienced and passionate spearfisherman, he was exploring the depths about one kilometer off Horseshoe Reef alongside four of his friends. Those who knew him well describe him as a man uniquely attuned to the rhythms of the ocean—someone who treated the marine environment with immense respect and felt entirely at home within its currents. However, just before 10:00 AM, the serene morning was shattered by a sudden encounter with a large marine predator, estimated to be a four-meter shark.
Steven Mattaboni’s wife has paid tribute to the father-of-two, the day after a fatal shark attack off Rottnest Island. Credit: supplied
The moments that followed were a testament to the fierce loyalty and bravery of his companions. Risking their own safety, his friends acted instantly, pulling Mr. Mattaboni from the water and onto their vessel. As the boat raced at desperate speeds toward the safety of Geordie Bay, his mates performed continuous, frantic CPR, refusing to give up hope. Waiting anxiously on the shore were dedicated St John Ambulance paramedics, ready to deploy every piece of lifesaving equipment at their disposal. Tragically, despite the monumental, synchronized efforts of both his friends and the emergency medical teams, the injuries sustained were too severe, and he could not be revived.
A Devastated Family Remembers a True Gentleman
The day following the tragedy, the focus shifted from the shock of the incident to the extraordinary life of the man who was lost. Mr. Mattaboni’s devastated wife, Shirene, courageously shared a moving tribute to the man affectionately known to his mates as “Mattas.” Her words painted a picture not of a statistic, but of a deeply loving, generous, and irreplaceable pillar of their family.
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven,” Shirene expressed, her grief echoing the sentiments of a stunned community. “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.”
The loss is particularly poignant given the ages of their children. Mr. Mattaboni leaves behind two beautiful young daughters who will now grow up hearing stories of their father’s warmth and bravery. Their eldest daughter is set to celebrate her third birthday next month, while their youngest is a vulnerable four-month-old infant. The thought of these milestone moments passing without Steven’s proud smile has touched the hearts of people far beyond the shores of Western Australia.
Steven Mattaboni’s wife has paid tribute to the father-of-two, the day after a fatal shark attack off Rottnest Island. Credit: supplied
Gratitude Amidst Incomprehensible Grief
Even while facing the darkest hours of her life, Ms. Mattaboni—a specialist nurse who understands the immense pressure placed on medical professionals—took a moment to formally acknowledge the valiant efforts of those who tried to alter the course of that fateful morning. She extended the family’s “deepest, most sincere gratitude” to the first responders, emergency services, and the brave friends who fought so tirelessly on the water to save her husband.
As the regional community rallies around the grieving family, offering meals, comfort, and shared memories, the Mattaboni family has requested space to process their monumental loss.
“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,” Shirene stated. For now, the shores of Rottnest Island stand as a quiet monument to a dedicated family man, a loyal friend, and a true son of the sea.