Man Dies in Shark Attack Off Rottnest Island, Western Australia
A 38-year-old man died following a shark attack at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, on May 16, 2026. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, responded to the incident around 10:00 AM, but the victim could not be revived. Authorities suspect a five-meter great white shark was responsible. This marks Australia’s second fatal shark encounter this year, prompting warnings for swimmers and tourists. Scientists link rising incidents to warming ocean temperatures altering shark migratory patterns, highlighting ongoing coastal safety concerns in the region.
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Great White Shark Fatally Attacks Spearfisher Off Rottnest Island
A 38-year-old man, identified by family as Steven Mattaboni, was killed by a great white shark while spearfishing off Rottnest Island in Western Australia. The incident occurred on a coral reef near a dive boat, where the victim was bitten on the legs before being transported to shore, where paramedics failed to resuscitate him. Friends witnessed the attack, which police described as a horrific event. This marks Australia's second fatal shark attack of the year, following the death of a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbor in January. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook expressed deep distress over the tragedy. Historical data indicates that Australia averages more than three fatal shark attacks annually, with scientists suggesting that rising ocean temperatures and crowded waters may be altering shark migratory patterns and increasing human encounters. The last fatal attack at Rottnest Island occurred in 2011. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the species involved was a great white shark, after lifeguards reported sightings of a large shark in the area prior to the incident.
Home - CBSNews.comFather-of-two Steven Mattaboni Identified as Victim of Fatal Shark Attack in Western Australia
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two from Perth, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack near Rottnest Island in Western Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when Mattaboni, an experienced spearfisher, was bitten by a four-meter-long white shark while swimming approximately 20 meters from his boat near Horshoe Reef. Despite paramedics working for over 30 minutes to save him, he succumbed to critical injuries to his lower legs. Tributes have poured in from his family and community, with his wife Shirene describing him as a devoted father and a one-of-a-kind gentleman who loved the ocean. Local officials, including WA Police Minister Reece Whitby and Premier Roger Cook, expressed their condolences and acknowledged the efforts of friends who attempted to rescue him. While the incident is described as deeply distressing, authorities have kept beaches on Rottnest Island open, urging visitors to exercise extra caution in the water. Mattaboni was also remembered by the Kingsley Football Club as a genuine and much-loved member of their community.
The Independent WorldPerth Father-of-Two Identified as Victim of Fatal Rottnest Island Shark Attack
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two from Perth, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack near Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The incident occurred on a Saturday morning while Mattaboni was spearfishing with friends near Horseshoe Reef. He was attacked by a suspected white shark approximately 20 meters from their boat. His friends managed to pull him aboard and rushed him to the nearest jetty, where paramedics administered CPR, but he could not be saved. Authorities reported that Mattaboni sustained severe injuries to both lower legs. Following the attack, a five-meter white shark was spotted offshore during continued patrols. Despite the tragedy, local authorities and shark experts have kept Rottnest Island beaches open, stating that the risk to swimmers and surfers remains low because the incident occurred significantly far from shore. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working with local authorities in response to the event. This marks another fatal shark encounter in Australia, which recorded the highest number of such deaths globally in the previous year.
9NewsRottnest Island Shark Attack Victim Identified as Steven Mattaboni
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two from Perth, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack while spearfishing off Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef, approximately one kilometer offshore. Mattaboni was bitten on the lower leg while diving with three friends. Witnesses pulled him onto their boat and administered CPR during the return to shore. Upon arrival at Geordie Bay Jetty, police and paramedics continued resuscitation efforts, but he could not be saved. Mattaboni served as the secretary for the Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia club. Despite the tragedy, local authorities have kept beaches open, urging caution and adherence to shark warnings. Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, expressed condolences and highlighted the inherent risks of recreational spearfishing. He noted an increase in shark interactions near the coast, attributing it to changing feeding patterns and global warming, which may be driving sharks closer to shore. The community is expected to reconsider safety measures in light of this event.
Just InMan Killed by Great White Shark in Western Australia
A 38-year-old man died after being attacked by a four-meter great white shark in Western Australia. The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, located northwest of Rottnest Island near Perth. Aerial footage captured the victim being rushed to shore by boat, where paramedics and police administered first aid at the Geordie Bay jetty. Despite their efforts, authorities confirmed that the man could not be resuscitated. This marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since the previous March. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development identified the predator as a great white shark and urged the public to exercise extra caution in local waters. Historical data indicates that since records began in 1791, Australia has recorded nearly 1,300 shark attacks, with over 260 resulting in fatalities. The article also references recent shark activity in New South Wales, including a fatal attack on a 12-year-old boy in January, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Australian coastal waters.
Digi24Man Killed in Great White Shark Attack Off Western Australia
A 38-year-old man was fatally attacked by a 13-foot great white shark off the coast of Western Australia on Saturday morning. The incident occurred near Horseshoe Reef, northwest of Rottnest Island, a popular area for surfing and beaches near Perth. Police reported that the man was bitten just before 10:00 local time. Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Aerial footage captured the victim being rushed to shore by boat, where CPR was performed at the Geordie Bay jetty. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead. Authorities have confirmed the involvement of a great white shark and urged the public to exercise caution in surrounding waters. The Department of Primary Industries has advised swimmers to remain alert, with increased patrols and monitoring expected in the area. This tragedy marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March of the previous year. While officials note that shark encounters are rare, they continue to pose risks in coastal waters, contributing to Australia's historical record of nearly 1,300 attacks and over 260 fatalities since 1791.
Daily TimesMan Dies in Australia’s Second Fatal Shark Attack of 2026
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia, marking the second fatal shark incident in the country in 2026. The attack occurred on a Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, located northwest of Rottnest Island near Perth. According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corp., the victim was attacked by a 4-meter (13-foot) great white shark. Emergency responders retrieved the man from the water and brought him ashore, but he could not be revived. His identity has not yet been formally released. This incident follows a previous fatal attack in January involving a 12-year-old boy in Sydney, which had led to the temporary closure of approximately 30 beaches in the city's northern suburbs due to heightened safety concerns. Data from the Taronga Conservation Society Australia indicates that the nation typically records an average of 20 shark-related injuries and 2.8 deaths annually. The recent series of attacks has renewed public attention on shark safety measures along the Australian coastline.
National PostMan Dies After Shark Attack at Popular Australian Holiday Island
A 38-year-old man died on Saturday following a fatal shark attack while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island in Western Australia. According to WA Police, the victim was bitten on the legs by a 4-meter-long white shark approximately 80 meters from shore. Despite CPR efforts by paramedics and police after he was brought ashore, he could not be revived. This incident marks Australia's second fatal shark attack of the year, following a death in Sydney Harbour in January, and the first in Western Australia since March 2025. Authorities have urged the public to exercise additional caution in the area, with patrol vessels monitoring the waters. WA Premier Roger Cook expressed condolences to the family. Scientists suggest that rising ocean temperatures and crowded waters may be altering shark migratory patterns, bringing them closer to human activity. White sharks are responsible for the majority of fatal shark bites in the region, with historical data indicating they cause approximately 40% of shark bites in Western Australia.
The Independent WorldDiver Killed by 16-Foot Shark Off Rottnest Island in Australia
A 38-year-old diver was fatally attacked by a shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island, off the southwest coast of Western Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday when the victim, who was diving with a friend, was bitten on the legs near a dive boat. He was transported one kilometer to the island, but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. Lifeguards reported sightings of a five-meter (16-foot) white shark in the area prior to the attack. This marks Australia's first fatal shark encounter since January, when a 12-year-old boy died after being mauled by a bull shark in Sydney Harbour. Rottnest Island previously recorded a fatal shark attack in 2011. Statistics indicate that Australia averages more than three fatal shark attacks annually in recent decades. The report highlights the ongoing risks associated with marine activities in Australian waters, despite the region's popularity as a tourist destination.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000Man Killed in Shark Attack Off Western Australia Coast
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia on Saturday morning, police confirmed. The incident occurred at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, located approximately 31 kilometers west of Perth. Although the victim was brought to shore, emergency responders were unable to revive him. His identity has not yet been publicly released, and authorities are preparing a report for the coroner. This tragedy marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia this year, following the death of a boy in Sydney Harbour in January. In response to the incident, state authorities have urged swimmers to exercise heightened caution in the waters around Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination. Aerial footage from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation depicted the emergency response, including police boats and a rescue helicopter. While most shark attacks in Australia typically occur along the east and southeast seaboard, averaging around 20 incidents annually, this event highlights ongoing safety concerns in Western Australian waters.
The Independent WorldMan Killed in Suspected Great White Shark Attack Off Perth, Australia
A 38-year-old man was killed in a suspected shark attack in southwest Australia on Saturday morning. The incident occurred near Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth, at a reef popular with divers and fishermen. According to police reports cited by Australian media, the man was seriously injured after being bitten by a shark. He was removed from the water and received medical treatment but could not be revived. Local rescue organization Surf Life Saving reported that a four-meter-long great white shark was spotted in the area at the time of the attack. This event highlights a recent increase in shark incidents in Australia. Official data from 2025 indicates an average of 20 injury-causing shark incidents annually over the past decade, with approximately 2.8 deaths per year. Tiger sharks, bull sharks, and great white sharks are identified as the most dangerous species in the region. Recent months have seen a spike in attacks, particularly in New South Wales around Sydney, including a high-profile case in January involving the death of a 12-year-old boy allegedly attacked by a bull shark.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenFatal Great White Shark Attack in Western Australia
A 38-year-old man has died following a great white shark attack off the coast of Rottnest Island, near Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred on a Saturday morning, marking the first fatal shark attack in the region in over a year. Despite being transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, the victim could not be resuscitated, according to police statements. Authorities identified the predator as a four-meter-long great white shark and have urged the public to exercise extra caution in the surrounding waters. This event adds to the nearly 1,300 recorded shark incidents in Australia since 1791, more than 250 of which have been fatal. While shark attacks remain rare, officials note that the rising number of water sports enthusiasts contributes to increased interaction risks. Surfers are particularly vulnerable, as sharks may mistake their extremities for seals. The last fatal attack in Western Australia occurred in March of the previous year, while other recent fatalities were recorded in Sydney. The Department of Primary Economy and Regional Development continues to monitor the situation and advise safety measures for beachgoers and swimmers in the area.
DiePresse.com - HomeMan Killed by Great White Shark in Western Australia Holiday Region
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack in a popular holiday destination in Western Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday morning off the coast of Rottnest Island, located near the city of Perth. Emergency services transported the victim to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but police confirmed that he could not be resuscitated and subsequently passed away. Authorities have identified the animal involved in the attack as a great white shark. This tragedy marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia in over a year, drawing attention to safety concerns in the region's coastal waters. Rottnest Island is a well-known tourist spot, making the incident particularly significant for local tourism and public safety officials. The report highlights the ongoing risks associated with marine activities in areas inhabited by large predatory sharks, even in monitored holiday regions.
derStandard.at | Nachrichten, Kommentare & CommunityMan Killed by Great White Shark in Western Australia
A 38-year-old man was killed by a great white shark off Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Police confirmed the victim was bitten by the approximately 4-meter-long predator just before 10 am and could not be revived. This incident marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March of the previous year. Authorities have urged the public to exercise additional caution in the waters around the popular tourist destination. The article notes that Australian scientists attribute a potential rise in shark attacks to increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures, which are altering sharks' migratory patterns. Historically, there have been nearly 1,300 shark incidents in Australia since 1791, with over 260 resulting in death. The report also references recent shark activity in Sydney Harbour, where a 12-year-old boy died in January, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding human-shark interactions in Australian coastal waters.
Latest NewsMan Killed by Great White Shark Near Perth, Western Australia
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off the coast of Rottnest Island, near Perth in Western Australia. The incident occurred on a Saturday morning when the victim was bitten by a four-meter-long great white shark. Despite being transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police confirmed that he could not be resuscitated. This marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia in more than a year, with the previous incident occurring in March of the prior year. The Department of Primary Economy and Regional Development has urged the public to exercise extra caution in the surrounding waters. While shark attacks remain statistically rare, authorities note that the increasing number of water sports enthusiasts contributes to higher incident rates. Surfers are particularly vulnerable as sharks often mistake them for seals. Historically, Australia has recorded nearly 1,300 shark incidents since 1791, with over 250 resulting in fatalities. Recent non-fatal and fatal incidents in other parts of Australia highlight ongoing risks in coastal regions.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETSwimmer Dies in Shark Attack Off Western Australia Coast
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia, marking the second fatal shark incident in the country this year. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was bitten on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, located approximately 19.2 miles west of Perth. Despite being brought to shore, emergency responders were unable to revive him, and police confirmed his death. Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner and have advised the public to exercise extra caution when swimming in the waters around Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination. Aerial footage captured by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation depicted police boats, officers, and a rescue helicopter with a stretcher at the scene. This tragedy follows the death of a boy in Sydney Harbour in January, amidst a series of attacks along Australia's east coast. According to Australia’s Institute of Health and Welfare, most shark attacks occur along the east and southeast seaboard, averaging around 20 incidents annually.
New York PostMan Killed in Great White Shark Attack Off Western Australia Coast
A 38-year-old man has died after being attacked by a four-meter great white shark near Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. The incident occurred just before 10 am local time on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, a popular spot for diving and fishing. Authorities reported that the victim was transported by boat to Geordie Bay Jetty, where paramedics and police attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the species and size of the shark. This marks the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March 2025, when a surfer was killed at Wharton Beach. The report also contextualizes the event within a broader trend of shark incidents in Australia, noting recent beach closures on the east coast following a string of attacks and a rare fatal incident in Sydney in September 2025. According to health data, most shark attacks in Australia occur along the eastern and southeastern seabords, averaging about 20 incidents annually.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraMan Killed by Great White Shark in Western Australia
A 38-year-old man was fatally attacked by a 13-foot (4-meter) great white shark in Western Australia. The incident occurred just before 10:00 local time on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, located northwest of Rottnest Island near Perth. According to local police, the victim was bitten while in the water. Aerial footage captured the man being rushed to shore by boat, where paramedics and police attempted CPR at the Geordie Bay jetty, but he could not be revived. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the bite and urged the public to exercise additional caution in the surrounding waters. This marks the first fatal shark incident in Western Australia since March of the previous year. The report also contextualizes the event within broader Australian shark attack statistics, noting nearly 1,300 recorded attacks since 1791, with over 260 fatalities. It references recent non-fatal and fatal attacks in New South Wales earlier in the year, highlighting ongoing safety concerns and debates regarding shark mitigation strategies in Australian coastal waters.
BBC NewsMan Dies After Shark Bite Off Western Australia Coast
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia, marking the second fatal shark incident in the country this year. The attack occurred on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef, located near Rottnest Island, approximately 31 kilometers west of Perth. Although the victim was brought to shore, emergency responders were unable to revive him, and police confirmed his death. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim but stated that a report would be prepared for the coroner. In response to the incident, state authorities have urged swimmers and tourists to exercise heightened caution in the waters around Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination. Aerial footage captured by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation depicted police boats, officers, and a rescue helicopter at the scene. This tragedy follows the death of a boy in Sydney Harbour in January, part of a series of attacks along Australia's east coast. While most shark attacks occur along the eastern and southeastern seabords, averaging about 20 incidents annually, this event highlights ongoing safety concerns in Western Australian waters.
Cyprus MailMan Dies in Shark Attack Off Rottnest Island, Australia
A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack in the waters off Rottnest Island, a popular holiday destination near Perth in Western Australia. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef. Despite being carried to shore and treated by paramedics from the St John ambulance service, the victim could not be revived. Authorities suspect a 5-meter great white shark, which was spotted nearby, was responsible for the fatal bite. This marks the second shark-related death in Australia this year, following the death of a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbour in January. Scientists attribute the recent increase in shark incidents to changing migratory patterns driven by warming ocean temperatures and increasingly crowded coastal waters. Historical data indicates that since 1791, there have been nearly 1,300 shark incidents in Australia, resulting in over 260 fatalities. The event highlights ongoing safety concerns in Australian coastal regions amid environmental changes affecting marine life behavior.
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