The best friend of a spearfisher killed by a shark at the weekend says the late father-of-two would “absolutely want us to continue enjoying the ocean the way that he did”.

Steven Mattaboni, 38, was in the water about 1km off Western Australia’s Rottnest Island when he was bitten on the lower legs by a great white shark on Saturday morning.

He was rushed by boat to shore but tragically could not be saved.

His best friend of 35 years said the much-loved husband’s final dive was something he and his crew had done “thousands of times before”.

“There was absolutely no signs of danger and Steve didn’t understand the danger that he was in on that day,” Liam Thomas said.

He added: “We feel like Steve was supported by the very best and was given every possible chance of survival and we just want to extend our heart warm thanks and gratitude for everyone.”

Steven Mattaboni was killed in a shark attack on Saturday.Steven Mattaboni was killed in a shark attack on Saturday. Credit: Supplied Steven Mattaboni was a father to two girls aged under three.Steven Mattaboni was a father to two girls aged under three. Credit: Supplied

Mattaboni’s wife Shirene, two daughters, family and friends gathered on Friday to remember the talented fisherman and conservationist whose “first great love was the ocean”.

“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.

He said too that Rottnest — where Mattaboni would visit “every weekend, no matter the conditions” — would “always remain special for us”.

Loved ones want the public to remember the person that Mattaboni was, and not how he died.

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

“Steve loved entertaining, he loved hosting, he loved eating great food with his family and friends and he just wanted to be remembered as a kind, genuine, loving person.”

He was also described as a “proud” and “amazing” dad to his two young girls with wife Shirene.

“He was just such a devoted, loving father, taken away too soon,” Thomas said.

“Our heart goes out to all the girls and we strongly feel that his legacy will live on through his two beautiful daughters.”

Mattaboni is being remembered as a devoted father.Mattaboni is being remembered as a devoted father. Credit: Supplied Liam Thomas has spoken on his friend of more than three decades.Liam Thomas has spoken on his friend of more than three decades. Credit: 7NEWS

Mattaboni’s wife paid tribute to her husband earlier this week, saying “our hearts are irrevocably broken”.

“Steven was a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters. An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean,” she said.

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

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the “one-of-a-kind” surveyor’s family, raising close to $400,000.

“It’s going to make such a difference for his beautiful little girls. And that’s what it’s all about,” Thomas said.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/family-friends-of-rottnest-shark-attack-victim-steven-mattaboni-speak-publicly-for-first-time-since-tragedy-c-22323296?fbclid=IwY2xjawR86ltleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJQVdxdk9mbjlINXVkUW52c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpCLSJjq9UrpdQM88xXcnEiil0X6rQBVCIX1tiMM9VYgrvUZ5pu0Lqx5144q_aem_X2apmCeTpXmxgjlTSKLQdA