Tributes to dad killed in shark attack off Rottnest Island

The loved ones of shark attack victim Steven Mattaboni have gathered to pay tribute to the father-of-two.

With their feet in the sand on one of his favorite beaches today, they remembered the proud father who wanted his girls to continue his love of the ocean.

“Steve had two great loves: his first love was the ocean and he was a very talented fisherman, and his greatest love was his family. He was so proud of his two beautiful daughters,” said friend Liam Thomas.

Those closest to him stood side by side today as they opened up about the heartache and sadness that comes in waves.

His best friend of more than thirty years spoke out for the first time since his loss.

“Steve was really the type of person who would give the shirt off his back,” Thomas said.

“He was charismatic, loyal, funny, hardworking and had so many wonderful qualities that endeared him to so many people.”

The 38-year-old was spearfishing off Rottnest Island on Saturday when he was bitten on the legs by a four-metre white shark.

His wife and two young girls were his lifeline.

“He was so proud of his two beautiful daughters, and everything he did for them and everything he worked for was for them,” Thomas said.

Donations poured in, with more than $376,000 raised for his family.

Mattaboni’s loved ones say it is important to remember his life not by the way it was taken, but by the way it was lived.

They are broken but also left with beautiful memories.

“Steve would definitely want us to continue to enjoy the ocean the same way he does, but also encourage his beautiful girls to enjoy the water as much as he does,” Thomas said.

“(We will) remember Steve at Rottnest and that place will always hold a special place in our hearts.”