Tributes paid to father-of-two killed by shark in front of friends
Steven Mattaboni’s wife has said he was a ‘devoted father’ (Picture: Social Media)
A father of two was killed off the coast of Perth yesterday morning while spearfishing with friends.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was off the coast of Rottnest Island, near Horseshoe Reef, when a shark bit him on his lower leg.
The beloved father and husband suffered ‘horrific’ injuries before his friends managed to pull him back onto the boat and rush back to shore.
Despite performing CPR on the way back and meeting police and paramedics, Mattaboni couldn’t be saved.
Mattaboni’s wife, Shirene, has since paid tribute to her husband and said the family’s hearts are ‘broken’.
‘Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,’ she said.
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Mattaboni leaves behind his wife and two young daughters (Picture: Social Media)
‘An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea.
‘He was 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 said.
Beaches near Rottnest Island have remained open (PIcture: AP)
‘We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who worked so tirelessly to save him.’
Western Australia Police Minister Reece Whitby said in a statement: ‘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.
‘My heart and thoughts go out to the man’s family, friends and loved ones. He loved the ocean and loved diving, and it is just incredibly tragic.’
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