A father-of-two killed in a confronting shark attack is being remembered as a one-of-a-kind gentleman, while his mates have been praised for rushing into the water to bring him back to shore.

The shark attack victim, identified as 38-year-old Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni, was killed while diving at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island in Western Australia on Saturday.

Mattaboni was pulled from the water after being bitten and was rushed by boat to a jetty at Geordie Bay on the north side of the island.

Paramedics were unable to revive him.

Family, friends and political leaders paid tribute to the avid fisherman on Sunday, with his AFL side Kingsley Football Club remembering the premiership player as a much-loved friend.

“Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet,” the club said on social media.

“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.”

Steven Mattaboni was a beloved husband and father. Photo: Supplied

Mattaboni’s wife Shirene issued a statement to media outlets remembering the fiercely loyal, endlessly generous and devoted father of two daughters — one who turns three in June and a four-month-old baby.

She said the avid fisherman and spearfisherman lived and breathed the ocean and was always in tune with the sea.

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

Friends and rescuers tried to save Mattaboni’s life but he died at the scene. Photo: Seven Network

Police Minister Reece Whitby said the incident was extremely confronting and his thoughts were with Mattaboni’s loved ones.

“He was someone who loved the ocean and loved diving, and it’s just incredibly tragic,” he said.

Whitby praised first responders, emergency crews and staff who worked to save Mattaboni.

“I want to acknowledge the diver’s friends who played a critical role in doing the best they could to bring the young diver back to shore,” he said.

A five-metre white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA.

Rottnest Island, which is 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres wide, is a popular tourist stopover 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle.

Despite the tragedy, Whitby said the destination would continue to be an attraction for tourists.

“People are aware of issues in terms of personal safety when you are at sea that sharks are there,” he said.

Steven Mattaboni was spearfishing when he was fatally mauled. Photo: Supplied

Mattaboni’s death is the latest in a spate of fatal shark attacks in Australian waterways.

In January, schoolboy Nico Antic, 13, died a week after being bitten on his legs near a popular swimming spot at Vaucluse, in Sydney’s east.

Last November, Swiss tourist Livia Mulheim, 25, was killed by a shark while swimming at a Kylies Beach on the NSW mid-north coast.

Last September, surfer Mercury Psillakis, 57, was fatally bitten by a shark at Sydney’s Long Reef beach.

-AAP