Two Spearfishers Killed in Separate Western Australia Shark Attacks
Both victims, Steven Mattaboni (38) and Daniel Turpin (35), were killed while spearfishing off the coast of Western Australia in late May and early June 2026. The incidents have sparked renewed safety discussions and debate over shark management strategies.
Incident at Rottnest Island
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old surveyor from Perth, died after a shark attack near Rottnest Island on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
According to police reports, Mr. Mattaboni was spearfishing with friends approximately one kilometer offshore at Horseshoe Reef when he was bitten on the lower leg. The attack occurred around 9:55 AM.
Witnesses reported a shark, believed to be a great white approximately four meters in length, was involved.
His friends pulled him onto their boat and performed CPR while returning to Geordie Bay. St John ambulance paramedics met the boat at the Geordie Bay Jetty and continued resuscitation efforts. A rescue helicopter was dispatched to transport him to the mainland, but he could not be revived.
Incident at Albany
Daniel Turpin, a 35-year-old man, died after a shark attack on Saturday, June 7, 2026, near Michaelmas Island in King George Sound, off the coast of Albany. The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 AM.
Mr. Turpin was spearfishing approximately 10 meters from the island when he was bitten by a suspected 4.5-meter white shark.
Mr. Turpin was with his father and 14-year-old nephew on a boat at the time. The nephew drove the boat to port while his father attended to Mr. Turpin.
He was brought to shore and treated by paramedics at the Albany marina but could not be revived.
Victim Background and Statements
Steven Mattaboni
Mr. Mattaboni is survived by his wife, Shirene, and two daughters, aged approximately four months and nearly three years. He lived in Perth's northern suburbs and served as the secretary for the spearfishing club Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia.
In a statement, his wife described him as "a devoted father and an avid fisherman," known affectionately as "Mattas" to his friends. She expressed gratitude to emergency services and first responders and requested privacy for the family.
A friend, Liam Thomas, stated there was no warning before the attack and noted that an online fundraiser had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the family.
Daniel Turpin
Mr. Turpin's family released a statement describing him as "an adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean." They expressed devastation, thanked emergency services, and requested privacy to grieve.
Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said Mr. Turpin was well-respected and noted the community impact of the attack.
Government and Organizational Responses
WA Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis offered condolences to both families. She stated there is no data indicating increased shark activity in 2026 compared to previous years, noting the state has reported 10 shark interactions with humans in 2026, compared to 19 in 2025.
"The government will not introduce a cull, citing a lack of evidence to support such a measure."
She urged water users to use the Smart Shark WA app for local activity information.
Australian Underwater Federation President Graham Henderson announced the organization plans to revise its code of conduct for recreational spearfishing to mitigate shark risks. He noted that spearfishers are most vulnerable and recommended safety measures including:
- Diving in pairs
- Avoiding burleying the water
- Not towing fish behind them
He said the current focus should be on spearfisher safety rather than a cull.
WA Police Minister Reece Whitby acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Mattaboni's friends and thanked first responders.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issued a shark advice for the Geordie Bay area, advising caution. Following the attacks, a shark alert tower in Fremantle was reported to have malfunctioned. DPIRD stated maintenance crews were working to repair the tower and urged the public to exercise caution in the Port Beach area and adhere to beach closures.
Other perspectives included Assembly Member Scott Leary, who suggested selective culling as a potential solution, and Albany resident Joan Brudescio, who opposed culling. Marc Muscat, whose son died in a 2014 shark attack, stated control measures would not have an impact. Shark researcher Daryl McPhee recommended investigation of SMART drum lines, a system used in Queensland and New South Wales.
Background and Context
Beaches on Rottnest Island remained open after the first incident, with warnings issued to exercise caution. The last fatal shark attack in Albany occurred approximately 12 years prior to the June 2026 incident.
Western Australia Police will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the Rottnest Island incident. The state maintains approximately 200 tagged sharks monitored by 38 receivers.