Sydney shark attack victim Leah Stewart breaks silence, recalls fight for life in harrowing interview
Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old schoolteacher, shares her harrowing experience of surviving a shark attack at Sydney's Coogee Beach. The incident resulted in severe injuries and the amputation of her left arm, but she is now recovering with the support of her family and community.
Why it matters
The story highlights the physical and emotional recovery process of trauma survivors and the role of community crowdfunding in supporting victims of unexpected tragedies.
A swimmer mauled by a shark at one of Sydney’s idyllic eastern beaches has broken her silence on the attack, fighting through tears to describe her fear of leaving her daughter without a mum.
Leah Stewart, 35, was swimming laps at Coogee Beach on the morning of June 13 href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/woman-bitten-by-shark-at-coogee-beach-airlifted-to-hospital-in-critical-condition/YGOUNDXASRFZNODKYAELSVI45A/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/woman-bitten-by-shark-at-coogee-beach-airlifted-to-hospital-in-critical-condition/YGOUNDXASRFZNODKYAELSVI45A/">when she was attacked by a suspected great white shark.
The schoolteacher lost significant blood through the ordeal, with critical injuries from severe bites, lacerations and arms and leg fractures.
Stewart was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital and placed in an induced coma for 11 days while doctors carried out several surgeries, including amputating her left arm .
In an extended 60 Minutes interview to be broadcast by Nine this Sunday, Stewart revealed her first thought amid the struggle was of her 18-month-old daughter.
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