Leah Stewart, a mother critically injured in a shark attack at Coogee Beach, has shared her harrowing experience and determination to survive for her young daughter. The incident occurred on June 13 when Stewart had just said goodbye to her baby daughter, August, before entering the water for a swim.

During her swim, Stewart heard a woman scream and noticed a large shark fin nearby. She began swimming toward shore but quickly sensed movement behind her. Turning around, Stewart came face-to-face with a 4-meter great white shark, describing the encounter as terrifying and unforgettable. The shark approached slowly, mouth open, coming within about 30 centimeters of her face.

Stewart attempted to fend off the animal by punching it repeatedly. Despite her efforts, the shark bit her thigh and pulled her underwater. In that moment, she feared for her life and the future of her daughter without a mother. Motivated by the thought of leaving her child behind, Stewart resolved to fight for survival, delivering continuous blows to the shark, which she likened to battling a “dinosaur” or “punching a brick wall.”

The attack resulted in Stewart losing her left arm and required critical medical intervention. Reflecting on the ordeal, she expressed a strong desire to be remembered as someone who fought relentlessly to survive for the sake of her daughter. Stewart’s story highlights both the sudden danger posed by great white sharks and the incredible resilience of a mother’s resolve in the face of life-threatening circumstances.