Tributes have poured in for an Australian father-of-two who died following a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia on Saturday.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni, was attacked by a four-metre shark while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef, northwest of the popular Rottnest Island near Perth. The incident occurred around 10:00am local time, according to authorities.
Police said Mattaboni was about 20 metres away from his boat and nearly one kilometre offshore when the shark bit him on the lower leg in what officers described as a “horrific” attack. Friends who were with him quickly brought him back to shore, but emergency responders were unable to revive him.
In an emotional statement, his wife Shirene Mattaboni described him as an “incredible father” to their two young daughters and said he “lived and breathed the ocean.”
“Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,” she said.
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken.”
She also described her husband as “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,” she added.
The Kingsley Amateur Football Club in Perth, where Mattaboni played, also paid tribute, calling him a “much loved friend to many.”
“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,” the club said in an online post.
Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, expressed sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to Mattaboni’s family and fellow divers.
“Spearfishing is a dangerous sport in some ways, but we always try to minimise the risks,” Henderson told local media, adding that safety boats and shark-spotting drones are often used during competitions.
Western Australia Police Sergeant Michael Wear said Mattaboni’s friends witnessed the entire attack, calling it a deeply traumatic experience.
State Police Minister Reece Whitby also praised the efforts of the victim’s friends and emergency responders who attempted to save his life.
The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed it had received reports of a man being attacked by a four-metre shark in the area.