Leah Stewart lost an arm and remained in critical condition after a suspected 3.5-metre great white sharks attack at Coogee beach on Saturday. She was taken to St Vincent’s hospital after the incident, with her family now waiting for further news on the full extent of her injuries.
Joshua Stewart said his 34-year-old sister was mauled while swimming near the shore and that her condition remained serious. He described her as a primary school teacher, mother and ocean swimmer, and said she was in the flags, really close to the shore when it happened on a crystal-clear Saturday morning.
Joshua Stewart on Leah Stewart
Joshua said the family was still waiting on further news from the hospital and described the injuries as multiple and quite serious. He said: "It’s such a tragic situation," and added: "Leah is so full of life, she’s so energetic, she loves the ocean, she was a keen swimmer, she was swimming in the flags, really close to the shore when it happened on a crystal-clear Saturday morning. She’d done all the right things."
He also said: "We’re lucky the family’s all been able to come together and she’s getting a lot of love … we’re just trying to make it all work," and later added: "This has been negatively life-changing for Leah. It is just such a tragic and horrific circumstance."
Charlie Verco at Coogee beach
Charlie Verco paddled into the bloodied water and pulled Leah on to his board before she was taken by helicopter to St Vincent’s hospital. Joshua thanked the first responders, the helicopter team, and the doctors, nurses and support staff, saying: "We’ve got so much gratitude for all of those people that supported her, from that first rescue on the beach through to the helicopter team that took her over to the hospital, and the doctors, nurses and support staff."
The family said the medical team had already dealt with her extreme blood loss, but they were still waiting to learn whether her legs had suffered further serious injuries. Joshua said: "Sadly, it will involve prosthetics as well," and the family launched a GoFundMe campaign on Monday to prepare for specialised medical expenses.
GoFundMe for The Stewart
Leah’s 18-month-old daughter wanted to know where her mummy was, a detail that now sits beside the practical burden of hospital care and future prosthetics. The family declined to comment on the political debate over beach safety in New South Wales, keeping the focus on Leah’s recovery and the support now being organised around her.
