'Devoted father and gentleman': Tributes flow for shark attack victim

A 38-year-old Perth man, Steven Mattaboni, died after a shark attack off Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Friends who witnessed the incident pulled him from the water and attempted CPR on the way back to shore, but paramedics were unable to revive him. Mr Mattaboni, an avid spearfisherman and devoted father of two young daughters, suffered severe injuries during the attack. His wife, Shirene, described him as fiercely loyal and generous, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Mr Mattaboni lived in Perth’s northern suburbs and served as secretary of the Bluewater Freedivers spearfishing club. Despite the fatal incident, authorities have kept Rottnest Island beaches open, urging caution and vigilance for shark warnings. The attack has raised concerns about increasing shark interactions along the Western Australian coast, which officials attribute to changing feeding patterns and the effects of global warming. Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, acknowledged the inherent dangers of spearfishing and highlighted safety measures such as safety boats and drone surveillance used during competitions. However, he noted that recreational spearfishers are often more vulnerable to shark encounters. The incident has deeply affected the local spearfishing community and underscores ongoing challenges in balancing ocean recreation with wildlife risks.