Full Breakdown
Fatal Great White Shark Attack Claims Life of Spearfisher at Rottnest Island
5/18/2026, 4:42:37 AM
Incident Overview
On Saturday, 16 May 2026, 38-year-old spearfisher Steven Mattaboni was bitten on both lower legs by a great white shark while diving at Horseshoe Reef, northwest of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The attack occurred just before 10:00 a.m., about 20 m from his boat. He was taken to Geordie Bay jetty, where paramedics performed CPR but could not revive him.
Background
Australia has seen a recent rise in shark encounters, which scientists link to warming oceans and increasingly crowded coastal waters that may shift shark migratory routes toward popular recreation zones.
Key Individuals and Agencies
The victim was Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old spearfisher from Perth. Western Australia Police Sergeant Michael Wear briefed media on the incident. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issued safety alerts, while Premier Roger Cook expressed condolences. Surf Life Saving WA reported a five-metre white shark in the vicinity.
Timeline
- 09:54 a.m.: Mattaboni bitten at Horseshoe Reef.
- ~10:00 a.m.: He was brought to Geordie Bay jetty; paramedics performed CPR.
- Shortly after: He was pronounced dead.
Data on Shark Encounters in Australia
- Since 1791, Australia records ~1,300 shark incidents, with over 260 fatalities (some sources cite >350).
- Average annual attacks ?20; average deaths ?2.8.
- 2025 saw five deaths; 2026 has two so far, including the Rottnest incident.
Official Responses
Western Australia police confirmed the death and expressed sympathy. DPIRD urged the public to take “additional caution” around Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay and announced extra patrols. Premier Cook offered condolences and urged families to seek support. The department noted the shark was a mature great white about four metres long.
Criticism and Scientific Concerns
Marine biologists say rising sea temperatures and shifting bait-fish migrations draw apex predators nearer to crowded coasts, and they call for expanded monitoring and public education.
Eyewitness Accounts
Friends pulled Mattaboni from the water, administered CPR en route to shore, and described the injuries as “quite horrific.” Sergeant Wear called the scene “horrific” but praised the emergency crews.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Shark size is reported as 4 m by DPIRD and 5 m by Surf Life Saving WA. Fatality totals vary between >260 and >350 since 1791. The 2025 death count is cited as five, though some reports lack detail.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sadly the man was unable to be revived.” — Police spokesperson
- “His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event,” — Sergeant Michael Wear
- “I would encourage anyone impacted by this tragedy to reach out for support,” the premier said.” — Premier Roger Cook
- “Take additional caution in the Horse Shoe Reefs and Marjorie Bay areas,” — DPIRD
What’s Next
DPIRD will keep a patrol vessel near Horseshoe Reef for the weekend. WA Police will prepare a coroner’s report, and authorities will review shark-monitoring protocols.
