'So loved by so many': Tributes to dad killed in shark attack off Rottnest Island

Friday, 22 May 2026 22:24

With feet in the sand at one of his favourite beaches, loved ones remembered the dad who would want his girls to carry on his love of the ocean.

The loved ones of shark attack victim Steven Mattaboni have come together to pay tribute to the father-of-two.

With feet in the sand at one of his favourite beaches today, they remembered the proud dad who would want his girls to carry on his love of the ocean.

"Steve had two great loves: his first great love was the ocean and he was a really talented fisherman, and his greatest love was his family. He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters," friend Liam Thomas said.

Those closest to him stood side by side today as they opened up about the heartache and grief that comes in waves.

His best mate of more than 30 years was speaking out for the first time since his loss.

"Steve truly was the type of person that would give the shirt off his back," Thomas said.

"He was charismatic, loyal, funny, hardworking and had so many wonderful qualities that just made him so loved by so many people."

The 38-year-old was spearfishing off Rottnest Island on Saturday when he was bitten on the legs by a four-metre great white shark.

His wife and two young girls were his lifeline.

"He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters, and everything that he did for them and everything that he worked for was for them," Thomas said.

Donations have poured in, more than $376,000 raised for his family.

Mattaboni's loved ones say it's important not to remember his life by how it was taken, rather by how it was lived.

They have been left broken but also with beautiful memories.

"Steve would absolutely want us to continue enjoying the ocean the way that he did, but also encouraging his beautiful girls to enjoy the water like he did as well," Thomas said.

"(We'll) continue to remember Steve in Rottnest and that place will always hold a special place in our hearts moving forward."