St Vincent's Hospital has provided an update on Leah Stewart, the 35-year-old mother and deputy principal who was mauled by a great white shark at Coogee Beach on June 13. The hospital stated on behalf of her family that her condition is expected to remain life-threatening but stable for some time.
Condition and Treatment
Stewart suffered bites to her arms and legs, significant blood loss, and fractures throughout her body during the attack. She has undergone multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm. The hospital noted that the risk of infection is extreme due to extensive open wounds contaminated with sand and debris.
“Leah remains in a critical but stable condition, and it is expected this will remain her condition for some time,” St Vincent’s Hospital said on Monday. “There is a long road ahead for her and her family.”
Community Support
The shark attack has drawn national attention, with nearly half a million dollars donated to support Stewart and her family. On Sunday, at least 1,000 people participated in a swim-out led by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Randwick City Council, with thousands more gathering on the beach to show solidarity.
Surveillance drones, lifeguards on jet skis, inflatable rescue boats, and 20 rescue board paddlers ensured the safety of swimmers during the event. Surf Life Saving NSW chief Steven Pearce, who joined the swim-out, said the enhanced safety measures helped reassure those fearful of returning to the water.
“The swim-out really amplified what the Australian community is all about,” Pearce said.
Community Reaction
Local MP and active lifesaver Marjorie O’Neill highlighted the emotional impact on the community. “For most people in our community, the water is our place where we get reprieve, it’s a safe space ... at the end of the day it is where you go to wash off what’s happened. So what happened to Leah last week has shaken our community,” she said.
“So it was an event to bring us together, get us back in the water and wrap our arms around each other and around Leah and her family and raise some money for them too.”
