Sydney Woman Bitten By Shark Wakes From Coma After 10‑Day Battle

Wed Jun 24 2026 09:06:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sydney woman who was bitten by a shark wakes briefly from induced coma, leaving her family hopeful amid a rise in Australian shark attacks.

Leah Stewart, a 34‑year‑old teacher, was attacked by a shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June, suffering multiple bites and severe blood loss. After surgery and arm amputation, she was in a coma until doctors reduced medication, allowing her to briefly speak to her family. She remains in intensive care with more surgery planned. The incident comes as Australia experiences a spate of shark attacks, including four in 48 hours in January and fatal cases last month.

Sydney woman bit by shark wakes from induced coma

Leah Stewart, 34 and a teacher, was attacked by a shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June. She suffered multiple bite wounds on her arms and legs, with extreme blood loss.

After being rushed to hospital, Leah underwent several surgeries – her arm was amputated – and remained in critical condition.

On Tuesday doctors reduced her medication, allowing her to briefly "wake up" and say "I love you" to her mother and partner. Her brother posted, "This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle."

Leah remains in intensive care, with more surgery scheduled in the coming weeks. Her family says it is a positive first step toward recovery.

This attack follows a spate of shark bites in Australia this year – four incidents in 48 hours in January, a fatal case last month in Queensland and one in Western Australia.

Follow the story on BBC: Attack details, January incidents, Queensland fatality, Western Australia death