A first responder has described the tragic scene that unfolded after a spearfisherman was fatally attacked by a white shark off Rottnest Island.

Steven Mattaboni, 38, was swimming back to his boat on the surface at Horseshoe Reef, about one kilometre offshore from the island, when a 4m shark emerged.

His friends rushed over to help Mr Mattaboni and took him into Geordie Bay for help, but he could not be saved.

The officer in charge at Rottnest Island Sergeant Michael Wear told 6PR it was a sad day for the family and everyone involved.

“So the guys went over to him and had seen the shark, and were able to pull Steven on board and started their own sort of first aid treatment,” he said.

“They raised the alarm, put a call into triple-0 and raced straight into the Geordie Bay jetty.”

Sergeant Wear said medical staff at the island’s nursing post, rangers and police raced to the jetty to help Mr Mattaboni.

He said a trauma doctor from Melbourne was holidaying on the island and was also able to jump in and help.

“It was all hands on deck down on the jetty,” he said.

“We knew it was pretty serious … from when we first arrived on the scene, you could tell it was pretty serious injuries going on, but the girls did a fantastic job at the nursing post to do what we could do.

“The rescue helicopter landed on a road nearby … and then the critical care paramedics came down, and they’re just amazing people.

“So everyone just jumped in and did what had to be done in a very chaotic and very small area.

“A lot of good work was put into it, but unfortunately the outcome is not what we wanted.”

The 38-year-old victim was a father of two and lived in Perth’s northern suburbs.

In a statement, his wife Shirene said her husband was a generous and loving father to their two daughters, aged two and four months.

“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as ‘Mattas’,” she said in a statement.

“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea.

“He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.

“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.”

Mr Mattaboni was also a premiership player of the Kingsley Football Club.

In a statement, the club said he was a “much loved friend to many within our club community”.

“Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet,” the statement read.

“He had a smile and presence that could light up a room, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and their two young daughters.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the shark was about 4m long.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for Mr Mattaboni’s family by Rebecca Flume, who said no family should ever have to face such an unimaginable tragedy so suddenly.

“Steven was truly one of a kind — a loving husband, devoted father, and an incredibly kind and genuine man who brought warmth and happiness to those around him. Above all else, he absolutely adored his three girls and was the most amazing dad,” she said.

“As Shirene begins to navigate life without her soulmate while caring for their young daughters, we would love to rally around her with love, support, and practical help during this incredibly difficult time.”