Australian shark attack survivor thanks support, calls for 'second chance at life'

Leah Stewart, 34, was bitten by a shark during a morning swim at Coogee Beach in June and suffered multiple bites to her arms and legs. She required several surgeries – one arm was amputated – and was kept in an induced coma for weeks. Her recovery has been described as "incredibly difficult" but she reports "remarkable" progress.

In a social‑media post, Stewart thanked friends, family and strangers for the more than AU$550,000 (US$394,000; £289,000) raised on her behalf. She said the money has allowed her to recover at home and that she now has options for further medical treatment. She added: “I still have a long way to go, but my recovery has been remarkable, and a huge part of that is because of the absolute army of love, support, prayers and encouragement surrounding my family and I from all over the world.”

Stewart said she was overwhelmed by the support and reflected on how she felt a “second chance at life” and vowed not to waste it. She details in an upcoming report on Nine Network’s 60 Minutes the terrifying moment she saw the shark’s face and the instinctive fear that her daughter, August, would be left without a mother.

This incident comes amid a spate of shark attacks in Australia this year. In January, four attacks occurred over two days, including a fatal case of a 12‑year‑old boy. In May, a man was killed by a shark while spearfishing, and a father of two died after a 4‑metre shark attacked him in Western Australia. The pattern has spurred renewed debate about beach safety measures, notably the use of shark nets and community awareness programs.

The Australian government has acknowledged rising shark incidents and has emphasized better enforcement of existing safety regulations, alongside exploring targeted research into deterrent technologies. Meanwhile, community groups call for increased funding for public education campaigns and emergency response training. Stewart’s story adds a human dimension to the broader conversation, highlighting the balance between wildlife protection and human safety.

For more context on shark attacks in Australia, the BBC has reported on related incidents, including the fatal 2025 Queensland spearfishing case and ongoing debate over shark net controversies. Future updates on Stewart’s medical progress are expected following her appearance on 60 Minutes later this week.