Leah Stewart survived a brutal white shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east, an ordeal that left her in a medically induced coma for nearly two weeks, according to reports by ABC News and news.com.au. The 35-year-old mother of one was swimming between the flags on June 13 when the suspected 3.5m great white shark mauled her arms and legs, fracturing multiple bones and causing massive blood loss. More than two months later, Stewart has broken her silence to share how thoughts of her daughter, August, drove her to fight for survival.
Leah Stewart Recalls the Coogee Beach Shark Attack and Fighting for Survival
Recalling the harrowing encounter for a 60 Minutes interview, Stewart described the shark’s face as “horrific” and a “monster,” according to news.com.au. As the animal gripped her leg, her immediate terror was leaving her young daughter motherless. “She’s not going to have a mum,” Stewart thought, as reported by the source. “I couldn’t handle that, I didn’t want her not to have a mum.” Driven by that sheer determination, she resolved to fight the predator and do everything possible to stay alive.
St. Vincent’s Hospital treated Stewart in a critical condition following the morning swim, where she arrived with severe injuries and having lost a significant amount of blood, as detailed by ABC News. Medical teams placed her into an induced coma for days, performing several surgeries that included the amputation of one of her arms. When she finally woke on June 24, her first words to her husband and mother were “I love you,” while her primary concern remained checking on her daughter August, according to her family’s accounts.
Community Support and Shutting Down the Givealittle Fundraiser
Financial assistance for Stewart’s long-term rehabilitation poured in rapidly via a fundraiser organized by her brother. By the time the page closed, it had raised A$558,925 ($670,458), funds that will cover ongoing medical costs, prosthetics, and home recovery. In a heartfelt public update posted to the fundraising site, Stewart expressed profound gratitude to both friends and strangers for their generosity.
“After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this,” Stewart wrote, as reported by ABC News. She explained that donations were officially turned off because the community had provided enough resources to keep them afloat, remain at home, and secure future medical treatment down the road. Describing her outlook moving forward, she noted that the outpouring of global support inspired her to “get better, not bitter.”
Did you know? Following a series of shark incidents in New South Wales—including the death of 12-year-old Nico Antic at Vaucluse and a suspected bull shark attack on musician Andre de Ruyter at Manly Beach—local authorities expanded drone surveillance programs to cover 72 beaches from dawn to dusk, according to ABC News.
Current Recovery Status and Looking Ahead
More than two months after the near-fatal mauling, Stewart characterizes her ongoing healing process as remarkable, though she acknowledges a long road remains ahead. She focuses daily on regaining independence and returning to a semblance of normal life. Viewing her survival as a second chance at life, she has vowed not to waste the opportunity.
“As I get better, I know I’ll make something of this second chance and aim to give back even more in generosity, care and love,” Stewart shared via news.com.au. Supported by an international army of prayers, well-wishes, and family, she continues physical recovery while exploring options for future medical interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the shark attack happen?
Leah Stewart was attacked by a white shark on June 13 while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east, according to ABC News.
How much money was raised for Leah Stewart?
A fundraising page organized by her family raised A$558,925 ($670,458) before donations were turned off, providing for her medical care, prosthetics, and rehabilitation expenses.
What injuries did Leah Stewart sustain?
She suffered critical bite injuries to her arms and legs, endured multiple bone fractures, lost a large amount of blood, and ultimately required the amputation of one of her arms.
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