Sydney Shark Attack Survivor Recalls Seeing the Animal Before Losing Her Arm

Leah Stewart was swimming at Coogee beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on the morning of 13 June when a large shark attacked her, according to The Guardian World. The 34-year-old teacher suffered life-threatening injuries and later had her arm amputated. In a preview of her first media interview since the attack, Stewart recalled the animal holding onto her leg. Her first thought, she said, was of her one-year-old daughter, August, and the possibility that the child might grow up without a mother. Stewart also described the shark’s face as horrific and said she would never forget it, referring to the animal as a “monster.” Her comments were reported by Nine Entertainment and cited by The Guardian World. She remained in critical condition for more than two weeks while receiving treatment. In a recent update to a fundraiser established to help pay for medical care and support her family, Stewart said she had been concentrating on her recovery and had made enough progress to regain some independence. Stewart wrote that she was working toward returning to a more ordinary life, though she still had a long recovery ahead. She credited the support surrounding her family with helping her through the ordeal and described her progress as remarkable. The fundraiser collected more than $558,925 before donations were switched off. Stewart said the money would help her family recover, remain in their home and consider further medical treatment in the future. In the update, she thanked donors for caring for her family and said she felt she had been given a second chance at life. She added that she intended to make something of that opportunity and eventually give back through generosity, care and love.