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 drag him back onto the boat and rush back to shore.
Despite performing CPR on the way in which 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 faithful father to our two beautiful daughters — one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby,’ she said.
Join for all of the most recent stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
‘An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was at all times in tune with the ocean.
‘He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the sort of man who would provide you with the shirt off his back.
‘The world has lost a very one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon,’ she said.
‘We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who worked so tirelessly to avoid wasting him.’
Western Australia Police Minister Reece Whitby said in an announcement: ‘I would like to acknowledge the diver’s friends who played a critical role in doing the most effective they may to bring [him] back to shore.
‘My heart and thoughts exit to the person’s family, friends and family members. He loved the ocean and loved diving, and it’s just incredibly tragic.’
Get in contact with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Man dies after shark attacks him in front of a friend in Australia
MORE: Eurovision fans convinced Delta Goodrem might be crowned winner – but some feel conflicted
MORE: Australia scraps plans for a Trump Tower because his brand is simply too toxic