Australian woman struck by shark at Coogee beach says she has been given a second chance at life

'Leah Stewart, a 35‑year‑old mother of one, was mauled in June by a shark while swimming at Coogee Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular surf spots. The attack left her with multiple bites on her arms and legs, and a lost arm, necessitating several surgeries and an induced coma that kept her out of consciousness for more than a week.

'After months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation she can now walk and perform daily tasks again, gaining a level of independence she had lost during the crisis.

'Leah shared her gratitude on social media, thanking everyone whose messages of hope, prayers and financial support—over AU$550,000 in total—helped her access ongoing medical care at home and plan future treatment options. She said the outpouring had given her a sense of purpose beyond merely surviving the incident, and she declared she would not waste the opportunity she now has.

'She also highlighted how the attack was part of a wider pattern of shark bites and deaths around Australia this year, citing four attacks that occurred in January—including the fatal bite of a 12‑year‑old boy—and separate incidents that claimed the lives of men in Queensland and Western Australia in May and earlier this June.

'The community’s response to Leah’s case mirrors the growing debate over how best to protect beachgoers in a region where great white sharks frequently roam. While debate continues, her story underlines the importance of collective action and preparedness in the face of natural marine hazards.