Sydney woman survives brutal great white shark attack

On June 13, 2026, 34-year-old Leah Stewart was attacked by a four-meter great white shark while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney. Stewart, a teacher and mother, was returning to shore when she encountered the shark, which dragged her under the water and caused severe injuries to her thigh and left arm. During the encounter, she fought back by punching the shark, motivated by the desire to survive for her young daughter.

Following the attack, Stewart spent over two weeks in critical condition. Due to the extent of her injuries and significant blood loss, medical professionals were ultimately forced to amputate her left arm. The incident gained widespread attention following her recent interview on the Nine Network program '60 Minutes,' where she detailed the terrifying experience, describing the shark as feeling like a dinosaur. She recounted hearing screams before realizing the fin behind her did not belong to a dolphin, prompting her defensive response to save her own life.