In brief
Leah Stewart, a 34‑year‑old Sydney teacher, was bitten by a shark at Coogee Beach while swimming. She suffered multiple injuries and blood loss, which led to an induced coma. After a week of intensive care and surgery, the family reports that she has briefly awakened, saying a heartfelt message to her loved ones. Medical staff have reduced her medication to allow the awakening, and doctors expect a long recovery journey ahead amid a spate of recent shark attacks in Australia.
Background
\On Saturday 13 June, 34‑year‑old teacher Leah Stewart was swimming near the shore of Coogee Beach when a shark bit her on her arms and legs, causing severe blood loss. She was rushed to hospital in critical condition and survived after undergoing multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.
\She has been in an induced coma since the incident, with her family hoping for a recovery.
\A Brief Awakening
\On Tuesday, doctors reduced Leah's medication to allow her to wake briefly. In that moment she greeted her Mother and partner, asking if her daughter was okay, and expressed affection toward them.
\Her brother Joshua Stewart shared the heartening news online, saying, This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle and is everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week.
\Leah is still in Intensive Care and has undergone five days of surgery this week, with further procedures scheduled ahead.
\Context of Recent Shark Incidents
\Australia has seen a spate of shark attacks this year, including four attacks in a 48‑hour period in January, a fatal attack involving a 7‑year‑old boy at a Sydney beach, and two fatal incidents the previous month—one involving a man spearfishing in Queensland and another involving a father of two in Western Australia.
\These incidents underscore the heightened risk for beachgoers and the need for vigilant safety protocols.
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