🚨 16FT GREAT WHITE SHARK RIPS DAD APART… TWO LITTLE GIRLS LEFT WITHOUT THEIR HERO 😱💔 38-year-old Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni was attacked while spearfishing off Rottnest Island. Friends pulled him from the water and performed CPR all the way back—but the monstrous 16-foot shark claimed him. His wife has just shared a heart-wrenching tribute, leaving the internet stunned and mourning alongside two little girls who lost their dad in a single terrifying moment.

Heartbroken Wife Pays Tribute to “One-of-a-Kind” Dad Killed by 16ft Great White Shark During Spearfishing Trip Off Rottnest Island.

A devoted Western Australian father of two was fatally mauled by a massive great white shark in a horrifying attack witnessed by his closest friends during what should have been a relaxed spearfishing outing near the popular holiday destination of Rottnest Island. The tragedy has left his young family shattered and prompted fresh safety warnings across shark-prone waters.

Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni, 38, was in the water around 10am on Saturday when the estimated 16ft (about 4.5-5 metre) predator struck suddenly, biting his lower leg near Horseshoe Reef, roughly one kilometre offshore from the island. His experienced fishing companions sprang into immediate action, pulling him from the ocean onto their boat and racing toward Geordie Bay jetty while desperately performing CPR.

Paramedics, a rescue helicopter, and police were already mobilised by the time the group reached shore. Despite the heroic efforts of everyone involved — including an officer dropped from a police helicopter to assist — Steven could not be saved. He was pronounced dead at the scene from catastrophic injuries.

In an emotional public statement, his wife Shirlene described the unimaginable pain of losing her husband, calling him a “one-of-a-kind gentleman” whose absence has left an irreplaceable void. The couple’s daughters, aged just two years and four months, have been robbed of their father in the cruellest way.

“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as ‘Mattas’,” Shirlene wrote. “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.”

Steven was also a competitive Australian Rules footballer with the Kingsley Football Club, where he was remembered as one of the most genuine people in the community. Club officials released their own tribute, noting his infectious smile and presence that could light up any room. “Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet… Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirlene and their two young daughters.”

Friends who were with Steven that fateful morning are traumatised but acted with remarkable courage. Sergeant Michael Wear, officer in charge at Rottnest Island, praised their quick response: “His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event. The friends of the victim retrieved his body from the water, they gave him CPR on the way back in and came straight into the Geordie Bay jetty.” The group were experienced fishermen who had taken the boat out for what was meant to be an enjoyable day, possibly even a small-scale spearfishing competition among mates.

Tragic images from the scene show Steven’s friends comforting one another on the deck of a police boat, their faces etched with grief and shock. An all-agencies effort involving police, paramedics, and air support highlighted the coordinated attempt to save him, but the shark’s power proved too devastating.

Authorities received reports of a 13-16ft white shark in the area. Surf Life Saving WA confirmed a 16ft sighting approximately 80 metres offshore around the same time. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has urged heightened caution around Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay, deploying a patrol vessel to monitor the waters. Beachgoers and boaters are being asked to report any further shark sightings immediately.

Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve and beloved tourist spot famous for its crystal-clear waters, quokkas, and relaxed vibe, continues to welcome visitors — but many are now arriving with visible nervousness. The attack has cast a shadow over the island’s idyllic reputation, reminding everyone of the wild forces that lurk beneath the surface.

This incident marks Western Australia’s first fatal shark attack since March 2025 and follows a worrying cluster of incidents earlier in the year. In January, four people were bitten in just 48 hours near Sydney, with 12-year-old Nico Antic tragically succumbing to his injuries from a suspected bull shark. Such events, though statistically rare, carry high fatality rates due to the sheer size and strength of great white sharks.

Experts explain that Rottnest’s waters attract these apex predators because of abundant marine life, including seals and fish — the same waters that draw spearfishers like Steven. While spearfishing offers an exciting connection to the ocean, it also carries inherent risks, as speared fish can act as bait. Steven’s deep love for the sea made him feel most alive there, turning his greatest passion into the scene of this heartbreaking loss.

The broader Australian community has responded with an outpouring of support. Tributes continue to flood social media, sports clubs, and local forums. Many are reflecting on ocean safety, debating the balance between enjoying Australia’s coastal lifestyle and respecting the power of nature. Drone surveillance, shark spotters, and public education campaigns exist, yet incidents like this serve as sobering reminders that the ocean demands constant vigilance.

For Shirlene and her two tiny daughters, life will never be the same. The coming days, weeks, and months will be filled with profound grief as they navigate life without their loyal, generous husband and father. Steven’s legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him — the fisherman with a heart as vast as the ocean he adored.

Rottnest authorities have not shut down the island but are emphasising safety messages: swim at patrolled beaches, never alone, and always heed warnings. The natural beauty remains, but visitors now carry an extra layer of caution when entering the water.

This tragedy highlights the thin line between adventure and peril in one of the world’s most beautiful coastal regions. Families across Australia are holding loved ones closer, while ocean lovers pause to consider the risks. Steven Mattaboni lived life fully, connected to the sea that ultimately claimed him.

As more details emerge and investigations continue into the circumstances, one truth stands clear: a kind, smiling gentleman with an incredible zest for life has been taken too soon. His friends’ bravery, his wife’s loving words, and the community’s support offer small comfort in the face of such devastating loss.

May Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni rest in peace beneath the waves he loved, and may his family find strength in the countless tributes pouring in from near and far.