Podcasts · Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Shark Attack Hero Shares the Story of the Terrifying Coogee Rescue

25 Jun 2026 · 45 min

Hi guys, there is a GoFundMe for the woman injured in the attack, to help with her recovery and ongoing expenses. If you're able to, please consider donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-leah-stewart-victim-of-shark-attack-in-coogee

Less than a fortnight after rescuing a woman during the great white shark attack at Coogee Beach, Charlie Verco joins us to reflect on what happened. Charlie shares what he saw, the decisions he made under immense pressure, and why years of surf lifesaving training prepared him for this terrifying moment.

We spoke about:

• The moment Charlie realised the shark alarm was real • What happened when the great white surfaced just metres away • How he brought Leah safely back to shore on a racing paddleboard • Why managing fear, rather than being fearless, made all the difference • How surf lifesaving and Nippers shaped his response • His views on shark safety, drone surveillance and Australia's approach to managing risk • His message to Leah, whom he has not yet had the chance to speak with

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Links in the notes 4

• https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-leah-stewart-victim-of-shark-attack-in-coogee
• https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/
• https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5
• https://omnystudio.com/listener

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)