A 38-year-old man tragically lost his life on Saturday following a suspected white shark attack near Horseshoe Reef, located off an island close to Perth.
Mattaboni, a Perth resident, was enjoying the water with friends when the shark struck approximately 20 meters away from their boat.
His friends quickly pulled him onto the vessel and hurried to the nearest jetty at Geordie Bay, where paramedics were standing by to provide medical assistance.
Despite the immediate CPR efforts by both his friends and emergency services, they were unable to save him.
“His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event,” Sergeant Michael Wear remarked on Saturday.
“The victim was on the surface at the time, about 20 meters away from the vessel,” he added.
“Certainly quite horrific scenes for all involved, and all emergency services that were there did a fantastic job.”
Authorities said Mattaboni suffered serious injuries to both lower legs.
Surf Life Saving WA later confirmed a five-metre white shark was seen about 80 metres offshore on Sunday morning, as patrols continued around the island.
Rottnest Island beaches have remained open following the attack, with shark experts maintaining that the overall risk to swimmers and surfers remains low.
Dr Daryl McPhee told Today the incident occurred a considerable distance offshore.
“I’d be more concerned if the bite occurred right on the beach, but its a long way off shore,” he said.
The island, a popular tourist destination off Perth known for its beaches and quokka population, can be reached by ferry from the mainland.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been notified and is working with local authorities following the fatal attack.
Australia recorded the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world last year, according to figures released by the International Shark Attack File in February.
Five people died in shark attacks in Australian waters in 2025, with great white sharks linked to several of the incidents.
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