Leah Stewart. A 34-year-old teacher and mother of one, was attacked by a great white shark on 13 June at Coogee Beach. She was in the water close to the shore when the incident occurred, suffering multiple bites on her arms and legs and experiencing extreme blood loss. Stewart was admitted to hospital in critical condition and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of one of her arms.

Progress in Recovery

On Tuesday. More than a week after the attack, doctors were able to reduce Stewart’s medication, allowing her to wake briefly from an induced coma. According to her brother. Josh Stewart. Who shared an update on a fundraising page, Leah said, “I love you,” to her mother and partner and asked if her daughter was okay, though “This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle,” Josh wrote.

Leah’s condition remains critical, and she continues to stay in intensive care. Her family said she has had five days of surgeries and will require more in the coming weeks. Despite the challenges, the brief awakening is seen as a positive sign and a hopeful step in her long-term recovery.

Community Support and Fundraising

A fundraising page set up for Leah’s medical expenses and family support has already raised more than $488,000 in donations. Her brother described the amount as “everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week.” The outpouring of support from the public highlights the community’s solidarity in the face of the tragedy.

Shark Activity in Sydney Waters

While Stewart continues her recovery, shark activity off Sydney’s coast has remained a concern. A drone video shared on social media showed what appeared to be a great white shark near the shore at Bondi Beach on Wednesday morning. Lifeguards closed the beach as a precaution. The New South Wales Shark Smart app reported the detection at 9am, with the state’s department of primary industries noting that such sightings are not uncommon at this time of year.

Leah Stewart’s attack is part of a broader pattern of shark encounters in Australia. Earlier this year, four people were attacked in a two-day period in January, and two more were killed in late May and June. These incidents have sparked discussions about shark safety measures and the risks associated with swimming in coastal waters.