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2mo ago

Leah Stewart Speaks Publicly After Coogee Shark Attack

Public gratitude, closed fundraising, AU$34 million drone rollout sharpen focus on survivor care and beach safety.

A beach closed sign is displayed at Coogee Beach in Sydney on June 13, 2026. Beachgoers dragged a badly injured swimmer from the water at Coogee, one of Australia's most beloved beaches and popular spot for tourists, after she was mauled by a shark on June 13, police said. Four people have been killed in an unusual spate of shark attacks around Australia this year.
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Leah Stewart said she has finally regained some independence after a shark attack at Coogee Beach left her with life-threatening injuries.
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Overview

  • Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher and mother, gave her first public remarks in late August describing her recovery and saying she feels she has been given a "second chance at life."
  • The attack occurred on June 13 when Stewart was bitten while swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach and she was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital, placed in an induced coma and later had one arm amputated.
  • A family-run GoFundMe that raised about AU$558,000 to cover rehabilitation, prosthetics and living costs has been closed after Stewart said the donations were sufficient for her ongoing care.
  • Stewart’s detailed interview with Nine Network’s 60 Minutes recounts the attack and the moment the shark latched on to her leg, and she has begun to regain some independence as she continues rehabilitation.
  • The incident is part of a wider run of shark encounters in New South Wales this year and has prompted the state government to add AU$34 million to expand drone surveillance along beaches to improve safety.