‘Sad day’: First responder describes the tragic scene that unfolded following a fatal shark attack at Rottnest Island
First responders have described the tragic scene that unfolded after a spear fisherman was fatally attacked by a white shark off Rottnest Island.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was swimming at the surface towards his boat at Horseshoe Reef, about a kilometer off the island, when a 4-metre shark appeared.
Friends came to Mr Mattaboni’s aid and took him to Geordie Bay for help but he could not be saved.
Sergeant Michael Wear, the officer in charge of Rottnest Island, told 6PR it was a sad day for the family and everyone involved.
“So the men went up to him and saw the shark and pulled Steven aboard and started their own first aid treatments,” he said.
“They raised the alarm, called triple-0 and ran straight to the Geordie Bay pier.”
Sergeant Wear said medical staff from the island health centre, rangers and police rushed to the dock to help Mr Mattaboni.
He said a trauma doctor from Melbourne was holidaying on the island and was able to help.
“Everything was done on the dock, on the deck,” he said.
“We knew it was pretty serious… you could see from the first moment we arrived on the scene that there were some pretty serious injuries, but the girls did a great job of doing what we could from the nursing standpoint.
“The rescue helicopter landed on a road nearby… and then the intensive care medics landed – they are truly wonderful people.
“So everyone pitched in and did what needed to be done in a very chaotic and very small space.
“Very good work was done, but unfortunately the result was not as we wanted.”
The 38-year-old victim was a father of two and lived in Perth’s northern suburbs.
His wife, Shirene, said in a statement that her husband was a generous and loving father to their two daughters, aged two and four months.
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, affectionately known as ‘Mattas’ to his friends,” she said in a statement.
“He was an avid fisherman and spear fisherman who lived and breathed the ocean, always in tune with the sea.
“He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous and the kind of man who would take his shirt off his back.
“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father too soon.”
Mr Mattaboni was also a premiership player for Kingsley Football Club.
A statement from the club said he was “a much-loved friend to many in our club community”.
“Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet,” the statement said.
“He had a smile and presence that could light up a room and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and two young daughters.”
The Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development said the shark was about 4 meters long.
A Go Fund Me page was set up for Mr Mattaboni’s family by Rebecca Flume, who said no family should have to face such an unimaginable tragedy so suddenly.
“Steven was truly one of a kind; a loving husband, a devoted father, and an incredibly kind and sincere man who brought warmth and happiness to those around him. Above all, he absolutely adored his three daughters and was a wonderful father,” she said.
“As Shirene begins to navigate her life without her soulmate while caring for her young daughters, we would love to rally around her with love, support and practical help during this incredibly difficult time.”
