Australian shark attack victim grateful for "second chance at life"

Leah Stewart, 34, was bitten by a shark during a morning swim at Coogee Beach in June. The attacker left her with multiple bites to her arms and legs, requiring surgery that ultimately led to the amputation of one arm.

She was subsequently placed in an induced coma and underwent extensive rehabilitation. Following her release, Stewart expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that she has been given a “second chance at life” thanks to donations that total more than AU$550,000 (US$394,000; £289,000).

In an online post, Stewart said, “After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this.” She added, “I want you to know that I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it.”

She described the moment when the shark bit her leg as “horrific” and reflected on the possible future of her daughter, saying, “I thought, ‘she’s not going to have a mum. She’s gonna grow up without a mum.’” Stewart vowed to fight for her daughter’s future and her own recovery.

The incident comes amid a sharp uptick in shark attacks across Australian waters in 2026, with a total of four recorded incidents in a two‑day period in January, a fatal spearfishing encounter in May, and another death in Western Australia.