Woman Attacked at Coogee Beach Showing Signs of Recovery
A woman who sustained severe injuries in a shark attack at a popular Sydney beach over a week ago has briefly awakened from an induced coma, according to her family. Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked by a shark on Saturday, June 13, at Coogee Beach, suffering multiple bites to her arms and legs and experiencing significant blood loss.
Critical Condition and Extensive Treatment
Stewart, a mother and teacher, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the incident. She has since undergone several surgeries, including an arm amputation. Her brother, Joshua Stewart, shared an update on Tuesday, stating that doctors had reduced her medication to allow her to briefly wake up from the coma. During this time, she reportedly expressed her love to her mother and partner, who were at her bedside, and inquired about her daughter's well-being.
"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," Joshua Stewart conveyed in an online message to supporters.
He noted that his sister remains in intensive care and has had five surgeries in the past week, with additional procedures scheduled in the coming weeks. "Leah has a long road ahead and still remains in critical care, but this is such a positive first step and gives us hope for Leah's long-term recovery," he added.
Recent Shark Incidents in Australia
The attack on Leah Stewart occurred while she was swimming close to the shore at Coogee Beach. This incident is among several shark attacks reported in Australia this year. In January, four attacks occurred within a 48-hour period, including one at a Sydney beach where a young boy was bitten and later died from his injuries. Last month, two fatal shark attacks were recorded: one in Queensland involving a man spearfishing, and another in Western Australia where 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni died after being bitten by a 4-meter shark.
Source: BBC News