The man who died from a fatal shark attack near Rottnest Island in Western Australia, has been identified as Steven Mattaboni – a prolific spearfisher and a father of two.
The 38-year-old was fatally wounded and died shortly after he was bitten by a 4m (13ft) long white shark at about 9.54am local time on Saturday near Horshoe reef, north of Marjorie Bay on the western end of a popular holiday island.
Mr Mattaboni had gone spearfishing with his friends and was 20m from his boat when he was bitten on his legs.
Local police say he suffered critical injuries to both lower legs during the “horrific event”.
Paramedics worked for over 30 minutes to save him, but he could not be revived.
Tributes are pouring in for the 38-year-old from his friends and family, with his wife describing him as a “fiercely loyal, one-of-a-kind gentleman”.
“Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters – one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,” Mr Mattaboni’s wife, Shirene said in a statement.
“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea,” she said.
He was a native of Perth’s northern suburbs and the secretary of the spearfishing club Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia.
“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon,” his wife said.
WA police minister Reece Whitby paid tribute to the man’s family and thanked those who tried to save him.
“My heart and thoughts go out to the man’s family, friends and loved ones,” Mr Whitby said.
“I want to acknowledge the diver’s friends who played a critical role in doing the best they could to bring [him] back to shore,” he said, according to ABC News.
The Kingsley Football Club, for which Mr Mattaboni was a premiership player, released a statement that the 38-year-old was a “much-loved friend to many within the club community”.
“Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet,” the club said in a post on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and their two young daughters,” it said in the statement.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook described the fatal incident as “deeply distressing” and “a devastating time for all involved”.
“This is a tragedy that will be felt by all Western Australians,” Mr Cook said.
Despite the attack, beaches on Rottnest Island remain open.
The Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has urged those on the island to take extra care in the water.
