SHARK ATTACK SURVIVOR LEAH STEWART FACES HEARTBREAKING SETBACK AFTER SKIN GRAFT FAILS

A Sydney mother who survived a terrifying great white shark attack that cost her part of her left arm has revealed a heartbreaking setback in her recovery.

Leah Stewart, 34/35, was attacked while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney on June 13, 2026. More than three months later, she is still facing major challenges from the injuries she suffered that day.

In a recent update shared with her followers, Stewart revealed that doctors had confirmed that a skin graft performed on her injured leg had failed.

She described the news as devastating and admitted she was unsure what would happen next.

“I’M FEELING PRETTY DEVASTATED”

Stewart shared the difficult news on Instagram after having her graft examined.

She explained that the procedure had unfortunately not worked and that her leg wound remained open more than three months after the shark attack.

The mother said she had shed “quite a few tears” after receiving the news.

Despite the disappointment, she said doctors were trying a different approach and that she was temporarily taking a break from the vacuum dressing used during her treatment.

The break has allowed her to move around somewhat more freely while doctors determine the next steps in her recovery.

THE ATTACK LEFT HER WITH LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES

Stewart was swimming close to shore and between the flags at Coogee Beach when she was attacked by a roughly 4-metre great white shark.

The shark inflicted devastating injuries to her arms and legs.

She suffered severe blood loss and was placed in an induced coma for around 10 days. She eventually underwent numerous operations, including the amputation of her left lower arm.

The attack could easily have ended differently.

But Stewart has previously said that thoughts of her young daughter, August, gave her the determination to keep fighting.

During a later interview with 60 Minutes, she recalled being dragged underwater and finding herself face-to-face with the shark.

She fought back repeatedly until the animal released her.

A LONG AND DIFFICULT RECOVERY

After being rescued from the water, Stewart was taken to hospital in critical condition.

Her recovery has involved multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.

One of the major problems has been the extensive damage to her leg.

Doctors attempted to repair the wound using skin taken from her right leg and transplanted onto the injured area of her left leg.

However, the latest graft failed.

Stewart showed followers the area where the donor skin had been taken, explaining that it was still healing.

While the graft on her injured leg had not succeeded, she said the donor area was fortunately recovering.

“IT’S BEEN THREE AND A HALF MONTHS”

The latest setback has been particularly difficult because Stewart has already spent months trying to rebuild her life.

She acknowledged that the injury was still open after three and a half months.

For the moment, she is taking a short break from the vacuum-assisted dressing that has been part of her treatment.

Although the situation has left her uncertain about what comes next, she ended her update with a determined message that she would continue moving forward.

STRANGERS HELPED SAVE HER LIFE

Stewart’s survival was also made possible by the rapid response of people who were nearby when the attack happened.

An off-duty volunteer lifeguard, Charlie Verco, saw what was happening and helped Stewart stay above water.

Other lifesavers, emergency responders and medical staff then worked to get her safely to shore and provide emergency treatment.

Her family later said the support from the community had been overwhelming.

A fundraising campaign raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Stewart and her family through her recovery and ongoing medical treatment.

SHE HAS CALLED IT A “SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE”

Earlier in her recovery, Stewart said she felt she had been given a “second chance at life.”

She told supporters that although she still had a long road ahead, she wanted to focus on rebuilding some form of normal life.

She also thanked people around Australia and beyond for supporting her family.

Her latest update shows that the physical recovery remains far from over.

The shark attack happened more than three months ago — but Stewart is still undergoing treatment, facing new setbacks and adapting to permanent changes to her life.

For now, the mother remains focused on one thing: moving forward, one step at a time.