‘Fiercely loyal, endlessly generous’ young father named as victim of Rottnest Island shark attack

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 on Rottnest Island about 9.55am on Saturday when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark, police said.

He was transported by boat to shore at Geordie Bay on the north side of the island where he was met by paramedics but was unable to be revived. A rescue helicopter had arrived at the island, 19km off the coast of Fremantle, to evacuate Mattaboni to hospital on the mainland.

In a statement on Sunday, his wife, Shirene Mattaboni, a clinical nurse specialist, said Steven was a “devoted father” to his daughters, one of whom turns three next month and one of whom is a four-month-old baby.

“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as Mattas,” she said in the statement, provided to media outlets.

“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.”

His wife said the world had lost a “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,” she said, requesting privacy as the family navigated their “incomprehensible loss and grieve the extraordinary man we loved so much”.

Kingsley Football Club in Perth’s north, where Mattaboni had been a premiership player and “much loved friend”, said on social media it was “deeply saddened” to hear of his sudden passing.

“Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet. He had a smile and presence that could light up a room, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” they said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and their two young daughters.”

Western Australia’s premier, Roger Cook, said the incident was “deeply distressing” and a “tragedy that will be felt by all Western Australians”.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the man’s family and friends,” he said.

“It is a devastating time for all involved. Thank you to the first responders and emergency personnel who attended the scene.

“I would encourage anyone impacted by this tragedy to reach out for support.”

A five-metre white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the incident, according to Surf Life Saving WA.