On the morning of Saturday, May 16, 2026, Steven Mattaboni, 38, died following a shark attack near Horseshoe Reef, located northwest of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 AM local time while the victim was engaged in spearfishing roughly one kilometer offshore.
Core Incident Data:
Victim: Steven Mattaboni, 38, father of two.
Location: Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Cause of Death: Trauma to lower legs following a shark bite.
Status: Beaches remain open; local authorities advise "additional caution."
"Sadly the man was unable to be revived," a police spokesperson stated following failed resuscitation efforts by friends and responding paramedics at the jetty.
The Sequence of Events
The victim was surfaced 20 meters from his support vessel when the attack occurred. His companions initiated CPR immediately, transporting him to the mainland via boat to meet paramedics and a rescue helicopter. Despite efforts to stabilize him, he was declared dead at the scene. Western Australian police are currently preparing a report for the Coroner.
Contextual Environment
While Australian waters remain among the most scrutinized globally regarding predator interactions, this marks the first fatal incident in Western Australia since March 2025.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Activity | Spearfishing |
| Immediate Response | CPR performed by companions |
| Government Action | Ongoing advisory for Geordie Bay area |
| Global Context | Australia recorded the highest number of fatal shark attacks globally in the previous year |
Analytical Background
The Rottnest Island region is a high-traffic area for both marine wildlife and human recreational activity. Investigations into shark behavior frequently point to the aggregation of great white sharks in areas favored by surfers and spearfishers.
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Official guidance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development continues to categorize the risk as requiring personal vigilance rather than widespread closure. The incident highlights the recurring friction between human ocean-based leisure and the natural range of apex predators, a recurring feature of the Western Australian coastline.
