Steven Mattaboni Father-of-two named as victim of Rottnest shark attack

The 38-year-old died on Saturday after being attacked by what is believed to be a great white shark near Horseshoe Reef, off the island near Perth.

Mattaboni, from Perth, had been in the water with friends when the shark attacked about 20 meters from their boat.

His mates pulled him aboard and rushed him to the nearest jetty at Geordie Bay as paramedics prepared to respond.

Despite CPR from his friends and emergency services, he could not be saved.

“His friends actually witnessed the horrific event,” Sergeant Michael Wear said on Saturday.

“The victim was on the surface at the time, approximately 20 meters away from the ship.”

“Certainly quite horrific scenes for everyone involved. All the emergency services that were there did a fantastic job.”

Authorities said Mattaboni suffered serious injuries to both lower legs.

Surf Life Saving WA later confirmed that a five-metre white shark was spotted about 80 meters offshore on Sunday morning as patrols continued around the island.

Rottnest Island’s beaches have remained open following the attack, with shark experts claiming the overall risk to swimmers and surfers remains low.

Dr. Daryl McPhee told it Today the incident took place a considerable distance offshore.

“I would be more concerned if the bite happened right on the beach, but it is far offshore,” he said.

A popular tourist destination near Perth known for its beaches and quokka population, the island can be reached by ferry from the mainland.

The Ministry of Primary Industry and Regional Development has been notified and is working with local authorities following the fatal attack.

Australia recorded the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world last year, according to figures released by the International Shark Attack File in February.

In 2025, five people died in shark attacks in Australian waters, with great white sharks linked to several of the incidents.

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