Coogee shark attack survivor loses arm, family pay tribute

A young mother mauled by a great white shark at one of Sydney’s most popular beaches has had an arm amputated and is expected to undergo further surgeries after an attack that has renewed fierce debate about NSW’s shark mitigation strategies.

Beaches in the city’s eastern suburbs reopened on Monday morning – two days after Coogee teacher Leah Stewart, an accomplished swimmer, ocean lover and passionate advocate for improving water quality, was attacked while swimming at her local beach on Saturday morning.

Stewart on Monday remained on life support in a critical but stable condition at St Vincent’s Hospital after undergoing several surgeries since the weekend, including amputation of an arm. The 35-year-old’s family described her as a dedicated and loving mother and a passionate teacher.

“As a family we are shocked and devastated that this could happen to our beloved partner, daughter, and mother who is so full of life and energy,” the family said in a statement issued on Monday afternoon.

“We share our sincere thanks and gratitude to the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew, and the dedicated medical team of doctors, nurses, and support staff at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney who have been caring for Leah. Our thanks to all who have reached out to the family with sympathy, care and prayer.”

Lifesavers at Coogee will use drones to monitor the water after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) temporarily lifted a ban prohibiting them from being flown over the beach because it is in the flight path of commercial airlines. Surf Life Saving NSW is now pushing for the ban to be permanently lifted to offer year-round protection.

“Drones have proven to be the No.1 factor in the shark mitigation strategy for swimmer and surfer protection,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said.

Saturday’s attack has increased further pressure on the state government’s shark mitigation measures, which faced scrutiny after a spate of bull shark attacks last summer. Those, as well as the attack on Stewart, have sparked calls for a cull in NSW.

NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday said the government was considering a bull shark cull, but white sharks like the one that attacked Stewart would not be targeted because of their protected status.

Stewart has lived in Coogee for several years and is an accomplished swimmer, having competed in the Coogee Island Challenge in 2024 alongside her partner, according to online results.

A friend was minding Stewart’s toddler on the beach when she was attacked while swimming between the flags about 30 metres from shore. Her partner was travelling overseas at the time. He returned to Australia when he learnt of the attack.

The attack has rattled the tight-knit Coogee community, where locals who know Stewart and her partner said the 35-year-old was passionate about improving the suburb’s water quality and sharing her love for the ocean.

“She’s amazing,” a local who asked not to be identified said.

“It’s just horrendously sad.”

In November, Stewart swam more than 50 kilometres to raise money for breast cancer research. She and her partner welcomed a daughter early last year and are often seen enjoying the water.

“As a breastfeeding mum, I have a whole new appreciation for these incredible organs and want to do my part in supporting the fight against the most common cancer in women,” she wrote on her fundraising page.

Off-duty lifeguard Charlie Verco, 24, paddled towards Stewart and the shark before pulling the 35-year-old from the water. On the beach, an off-duty critical care doctor, lifeguards, police and council personnel helped to stabilise Stewart, who was flown to hospital with a severely mauled arms and left leg.

Stewart’s family said the 35-year-old sustained severe and life-threatening injuries and would need extensive ongoing care and support as she undergoes rehabilitation. The family has launched a fundraiser to support Stewart’s recovery, help her care for her daughter and access prosthetics. It raised more than $50,000 on Monday afternoon.

“We know that this will affect the community in a raft of ways,” Coogee Surf Life Saving Club president Ben Heenan said ahead of a community welfare forum held at the club on Monday night.

“Something tragic has happened in their place of peace. We know it’s going to be a long journey to recovery for a lot of people.”

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