A Perth father-of-two who was killed in a horror shark attack off Rottnest Island has been remembered by his devastated family as a ‘one-of-a-kind gentleman’ who ‘lived and breathed’ the ocean.

Steven Mattaboni, 38, was spearfishing with friends near Horseshoe Reef off Geordie Bay on Saturday morning when he was attacked by a shark believed to have been a great white.

The attack happened at about 10am while Mr Mattaboni was on the surface of the water.

His friends battled to save his life, performing CPR as they raced him by boat to Geordie Bay, where paramedics were waiting, but he died despite their efforts.

Mattaboni’s wife, Shirene, a specialist nurse, issued a heartbreaking statement following her husband’s death.

‘Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as Mattas,’ she said.

‘Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters – one who turns three next month and our four-month-old baby.

‘An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea.

Steven Mattaboni, 38, was attacked while spearfishing with friends on Saturday morning
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Steven Mattaboni, 38, was attacked while spearfishing with friends on Saturday morning

He has been remembered by loved ones as a devoted dad of two
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He has been remembered by loved ones as a devoted dad of two

‘He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.

‘The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.

‘We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who worked so tirelessly to save him.

‘As we try to navigate this incomprehensible loss and grieve the extraordinary man we loved so much, we respectfully ask the media and the public for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.’

Police described the injuries as ‘quite horrific’ on Saturday but said they would not provide further detail out of respect for the family.

A five-metre great white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged people to take extra caution in the Geordie Bay area.

Beach-goers were asked to report any shark sightings to authorities.

A five-metre great white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA. Pictured: Rottnest Island
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A five-metre great white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA. Pictured: Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, which is 11km long and 4.5km wide, is a popular tourist destination.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.