Home / Disasters and Accidents / Shark Attack Victim is Passionate Ocean Advocate
Shark Attack Victim is Passionate Ocean Advocate
15 Jun
Summary
- A young mother was attacked by a great white shark near Coogee.
- The victim is an accomplished swimmer and water quality advocate.
- Drones will monitor Coogee waters after the shark attack incident.
A shark attack at Sydney's popular Coogee Beach has left a young mother in critical but stable condition, prompting renewed debate on shark mitigation measures. The victim, Leah Stewart, 35, is an accomplished swimmer and a dedicated advocate for improving local water quality, according to her community.
Stewart was swimming approximately 30 meters from shore when the great white shark attacked her, severely mauling her left arm and leg. An off-duty lifeguard and a critical care doctor were among those who provided immediate aid on the beach before she was airlifted to St Vincent's Hospital. Her partner, also a strong swimmer, returned to Australia upon hearing the news.
In response to the incident, lifesavers at Coogee will now utilize drones for water monitoring, a move supported by Surf Life Saving NSW, which views them as a crucial tool for swimmer and surfer protection. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has temporarily eased flight restrictions over the beach to facilitate this.
The attack has also intensified calls for shark culling in NSW, particularly following a series of bull shark attacks last summer. While NSW Premier Chris Minns stated the government is considering a bull shark cull, great white sharks will not be targeted due to their protected status. A community welfare forum is scheduled for Monday night at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
