Story perspectives

Shark-attack survivor Leah Stewart loses arm at Coogee

9/1/2026

Summary

Leah Stewart Punches

Leah Stewart punched a great-white shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June 2026.
The four-metre shark passed within 30 cm of her face before she was rescued.
Charlie Verco, Ben Heenan and Dr Ian Ferguson used bone-marrow drills to administer fluids.
She lost her left arm, suffered thigh damage and underwent 11 surgeries.
A GoFundMe raised $558,925 for her family before pausing on 23 August.

Summary

NSW Government Deploys

NSW government announced two shark-detection buoys near Balmoral and Lady Bay.
Drone surveillance will expand to over 90 beaches with weekend coverage statewide.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed shark nets will be re-installed at 51 beaches tomorrow.
Marcel Green, head of the state shark-management program, said the drone network will be the world’s most comprehensive.
Riot-squad officers supplied tourniquets that stopped Stewart’s severe blood loss after the Bondi attack.

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Leah Stewart Punches

Leah Stewart punched a great-white shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June 2026.
The four-metre shark passed within 30 cm of her face before she was rescued.
Charlie Verco, Ben Heenan and Dr Ian Ferguson used bone-marrow drills to administer fluids.
She lost her left arm, suffered thigh damage and underwent 11 surgeries.
A GoFundMe raised $558,925 for her family before pausing on 23 August.

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