A mother was severely injured by a shark while swimming at a popular tourist spot, resulting in the loss of her arm. Leah Stewart, 35, experienced significant blood loss after being attacked by a 12ft great white shark at Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia. She is currently in critical condition and on life support following multiple surgeries.
Leah’s brother, Joshua Stewart, shared that she sustained life-threatening injuries, including severe bites on her arms and legs, lacerations, fractures, and extreme blood loss. An online fundraiser has raised nearly $200,000 AUD to support Leah’s recovery, which includes amputation of her arm and upcoming surgeries.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene of beachgoers hearing a scream and finding Leah in a pool of blood. Off-duty doctors provided immediate aid by applying tourniquets before she was airlifted to St Vincent’s Hospital for emergency care.
Joshua praised Leah as a devoted mother, teacher, and ocean enthusiast, expressing shock and devastation over the incident. The fundraising page highlights Leah’s long journey to recovery, with contributions aiding her rehabilitation and ongoing care as she strives to return to normal life with her young daughter.
Off-duty lifeguard Charlie Verco rescued Leah from the water, while her family expressed gratitude towards the rescue team and medical staff. Friends recalled Leah’s admirable efforts in promoting water quality improvements and raising awareness about breast cancer, such as her participation in a charity swim last year.
Following the attack, authorities temporarily closed several beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to monitor shark activity before reopening them to the public.
