Arabic version: أم من سيدني في حالة حرجة بعد هجوم سمكة قرش في شاطئ كوجي

Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother from Sydney, is in critical condition after being mauled by a shark at Coogee Beach. Her family reported that she has undergone “multiple surgeries” following the incident, which occurred just before 11 am on Saturday while she was swimming between the flags. According to ABC News, her injuries are described as severe and life-threatening.

Stewart was swimming approximately 30 meters offshore when she was attacked, suffering severe wounds to her left lower leg and arms. She was rescued by off-duty lifeguard Charlie Verco, who was training nearby. Verco reported that he noticed Stewart’s friend screaming about the shark and quickly signaled to lifeguards to prepare for triage. He managed to tow her to shore, where lifesavers applied tourniquets and initiated CPR.

The community has rallied around Stewart’s family, who expressed their shock and devastation over the incident. They are raising funds to support her recovery and ongoing care, emphasizing their gratitude for the lifesavers, first responders, and medical staff at St Vincent’s Hospital.

In the wake of the attack, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club hosted a community gathering to offer support and counseling. The club’s governor, Tony Waller, highlighted the need for a multi-tiered approach to ensure the community feels safe returning to the beach. Meanwhile, drones have been temporarily permitted to fly over Coogee Beach for shark surveillance, following a recent exemption granted to Surf Life Saving NSW by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the importance of adapting current regulations to enhance beach safety, indicating a willingness to work towards making the drone exemption permanent. The recent tragedy has intensified discussions about shark mitigation strategies in the state.