Overview
- Mattaboni, who was spearfishing, was fatally bitten Saturday near Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island and died after CPR efforts at Geordie Bay jetty.
- Police said he was on the surface about 80 meters from shore and 20 meters from his boat when a shark bit his lower legs.
- State fisheries reported a great white about 4 meters long, while Surf Life Saving WA logged a separate sighting of a 5‑meter white shark about 80 meters offshore around the time of the attack.
- Authorities are patrolling Horseshoe Reef, Marjorie Bay, and Geordie Bay, with beaches open and a coroner’s report pending.
- He was identified as Steven Mattaboni, a father of two and spearfishing club secretary, as tributes arrived and officials noted Australia records about 20 shark bites a year with few fatal.