One of Australia’s most remarkable survival stories is coming to 60 Minutes, with Sydney shark attack survivor Leah Stewart sharing her first in depth television interview.
Two months after the horrifying shark attack at Coogee Beach nearly claimed her life, Stewart is speaking publicly about the split second decisions that helped her survive and the rescuers she credits with saving her.
The attack shocked the nation in June after Stewart was mauled while swimming between the flags at Sydney’s Coogee Beach.
She was pulled from the water by an off duty surf lifesaver before beachgoers, emergency responders and medical staff fought to save her life, sparking an outpouring of community support throughout her recovery.
In the hour long special to air later this month, Nine’s Tracy Grimshaw sits down with the 34 year old mother, who lost her left arm in the attack and is now sharing her story for the first time.
According to the program, Stewart recounts the terrifying ordeal, why she fought so hard to stay alive, and how her daughter became the driving force behind her determination to survive.
Kirsty Thomson, Head of Longform Current Affairs and Investigations and Executive Producer of 60 Minutes, said the special goes beyond recounting an extraordinary survival story, highlighting Stewart’s strength under unimaginable pressure.
“Leah’s courage is remarkable, but her story goes far beyond that. In the face of overwhelming fear, she made dozens of split second, life and death decisions.”
“And that she was able to do that, is the best reflection of what an extraordinary woman she is.”
Stewart also reportedly uses the interview to publicly thank the beachgoers, emergency responders and medical teams at St Vincent’s Hospital who came to her aid, saying their actions made all the difference during the critical moments after the attack.
Right on track … predicted this – huge pay day, which is what was always in the cards. No updates for a while on the fundraising page. Don’t know if the family is getting advice from a PR firm, but they’ve dealt with this like pros. Hope everyone who donated thinks about it … I’m just waiting to find out whether the NSW government uses public money to buy her a mansion … the media has certainly aided the family.