THE LAST CALL: Steven Mattaboni’s wife has reportedly released the heartbreaking final 27-second phone call she received from her husband just 12 minutes before the devastating shark attack that claimed his life near Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The emotional audio recording is now being reviewed by investigators and has already left thousands of people online in tears after details from the call began spreading across social media.
According to sources familiar with the recording, Steven sounded calm and excited during the beginning of the conversation as he spoke about the conditions in the water and told his wife he would be home later that evening. Friends nearby could allegedly be heard laughing in the background while preparations for the dive continued normally. However, the tone of the call reportedly changed dramatically during the final seconds.
Witnesses claim Steven suddenly became distracted mid-sentence after noticing unusual movement near the surface of the water. The audio allegedly captures several voices in the background shouting warnings moments before panic erupts. In the final seconds of the recording, a loud scream can reportedly be heard followed by crashing sounds, heavy breathing, and the abrupt end of the call.
Authorities have not officially released the audio publicly due to its disturbing nature, but investigators believe the call could provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the fatal attack. Marine experts reviewing the timeline now suspect the shark may have already been circling near the group before anyone realized the danger.
Steven’s wife later shared an emotional statement describing her husband as a devoted father, loving husband, and passionate ocean lover who always felt most at peace near the water. Friends and family members have continued posting tributes online while fundraising efforts for his children receive overwhelming support from across Australia.
The terrifying tragedy has once again reignited national discussions surrounding shark safety and emergency response measures around popular diving areas near Rottnest Island. Meanwhile, investigators continue analyzing witness statements, recovered phone data, and marine tracking information in an attempt to fully reconstruct the horrifying final moments before Steven Mattaboni lost his life.

A heartbreaking incident off the coast of Western Australia has shocked local communities and drawn widespread attention online after an experienced spearfisherman disappeared during a dive in open waters. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy, while family members and friends remember the victim as a passionate ocean lover who spent much of his life exploring Australia’s coastline and marine environment.
According to early reports released by maritime officials, the man had been participating in a routine spearfishing trip in a remote coastal area known for its strong currents and rich sea life. Weather conditions were reportedly stable at the time, though several witnesses later described noticing unusual movement in the water shortly before emergency services were contacted. Rescue teams responded quickly after receiving distress calls from nearby boaters and fellow divers in the area.
The story gained massive public attention after relatives confirmed that the victim had made a brief phone call shortly before the incident occurred. However, authorities and members of the family have strongly urged the public not to spread private recordings, unverified audio clips, or misleading information online. They emphasized that this is an extremely painful time for everyone involved and asked for respect and privacy while investigations continue.
In Australia, shark encounters remain statistically rare considering the enormous number of people who surf, dive, swim, and fish along the country’s coastline every year. Nevertheless, incidents involving sharks often create intense emotional reactions because of the country’s strong connection to ocean culture and outdoor activities. Western Australia, in particular, is famous for its beaches, marine life, and water sports, attracting thousands of locals and tourists annually.
Marine experts have repeatedly explained that sharks are a natural part of the ocean ecosystem and that most species actively avoid human interaction. However, certain activities such as spearfishing can increase the chances of attracting large marine predators due to vibrations, struggling fish, and blood released into the water. Specialists often advise divers to remain alert, avoid isolated areas, and follow strict safety procedures during underwater activities.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about ocean safety and risk awareness in Australia’s coastal communities. Professional divers and spearfishing organizations have reminded the public about the importance of diving in groups, carrying emergency communication devices, and monitoring local wildlife activity before entering the water. Some experts are also calling for expanded shark-monitoring systems and improved public education regarding marine safety.
Friends of the victim described him as highly experienced, cautious, and deeply respectful of the ocean. Social media has since been flooded with messages of support, condolences, and memories shared by people who knew him personally or followed his adventures online. Many users expressed sympathy for the family and urged others to avoid turning the tragedy into sensational content for views and online engagement.