Steven Mattaboni was killed by a shark near an island off the coast of Perth. Photo: Steven Mattaboni // Instagram
A man in Western Australia has been killed by a great white shark. The 38-year-old suffered what police called “horrific injuries” while spearfishing at a popular destination off the coast of Perth.
As the BBC reports, the attack occurred just before 10:00 a.m. at Horseshoe Reef, located near Rottnest Island. Steven Mattaboni was spearfishing with three friends about a half-mile offshore when he was bitten in the lower leg. According to the AFP news agency, Perth’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development reported the culprit was a 13-foot great white shark.
Mattaboni was then rushed to shore by boat. “The friends of the victim retrieved his body from the water,” Police Sergeant Michael Wear told ABC news. “They gave him CPR on the way back in and came straight into the Geordie Bay jetty,” he said. However, police reported in a statement that he was unable to be revived.
“It is deeply distressing to hear news of a fatal shark attack off Rottnest today,” wrote Western Australian Premier Roger Cook. “This is a tragedy that will be felt by all Western Australians. My heartfelt condolences go out to the man’s family and friends. It is a devastating time for all involved. Thank you to the first responders and emergency personnel who attended the scene. I would encourage anyone impacted by this tragedy to reach out for support.”
