Man killed in shark attack off Australia’s Rottnest Island
A 38-year-old man died after a shark attack near Rottnest Island in Western Australia as officials closed beaches following multiple incidents.
saudigazette.com.saShort answer: The latest reports confirm a fatal shark attack near Rottnest Island, WA, on Saturday May 15, 2026, with a 38-year-old man succumbing to injuries after being bitten while spearfishing; authorities closed beaches and warned swimmers in the area.[2][4][5]
Details and context
- Incident timeline: The attack occurred around 10:00 am local time on May 15, 2026, near Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island. Paramedics treated the diver on the jetty, but he could not be revived.[5][2]
- Victim and circumstances: The victim was identified as Steven Mattaboni, 38, a scuba diver/spearfisherman. He was approximately 20 meters from his boat when attacked; friends witnessed the incident and assisted in the recovery efforts.[4]
- Shark activity: Surf Life Saving WA reported a five-meter white shark observed offshore around the time of the attack; the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advised heightened caution in the Geordie Bay area.[2][5]
- Aftermath: WA police and emergency services responded; beaches were closed as a precaution, and the Coroner’s report will assess subsequent actions and any further advisories.[4][5][2]
- Public reception: Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination; the tragedy prompted renewed calls for vigilance around known feeding and reef areas, with authorities reiterating safety advisories for water users in coastal WA.[5][4]
Important note
- Multiple outlets have covered the event, with consistent details about the timing, location, victim, and the shark presence nearby. If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline or a short briefing tailored for a specific audience (e.g., family, travelers, or media). I can also summarize any official safety advisories currently in effect for Rottnest Island and the surrounding waters.