Sydney Woman Wakes From Induced Coma After Shark Attack

Wed Jun 24 2026 08:58:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 34‑year‑old mother at Coogee Beach has briefly awakened from a medically induced coma following a multi‑bite shark attack.

Leah Stewart, who suffered multiple severe bites and an arm amputation at Coogee Beach, has woken briefly from her induced coma. Her family said doctors reduced medication, and she said “I love you” to loved ones. Despite remaining in intensive care, the brief awakening has been described as a miracle, giving hope for a long‑term recovery. This incident follows a series of shark attacks across Australian coastlines this year.

Sydney Woman Wakes From Induced Coma After Shark Attack

Leah Stewart lying on a couch — Leah Stewart was bitten by a shark at Sydney's Coogee Beach about ten days ago

A woman who was bitten by a shark more than a week ago while swimming at a popular Sydney beach has woken briefly from an induced coma, her family says.

Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked on Saturday 13 June at Coogee Beach, suffering multiple bites on her arms and legs and severe blood loss.

She was taken to hospital in critical condition and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.

On Tuesday, her brother reported that doctors had reduced her medication so she could wake briefly from her coma. She was able to say “I love you” to her mother and partner, and asked if her daughter was okay.

Joshua Stewart posted a message to supporters: “This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle … a positive first step giving us hope for Leah’s long‑term recovery.”

Leah remains in intensive care and will have more surgeries scheduled in the coming weeks.

She works as a teacher and had gone to Coogee for a morning swim, close to shore when the attack happened.

Australia has seen a spate of shark attacks this year. In January, four attacks occurred in two days, including a fatal bite that killed a young boy at a Sydney beach. Last month two fatal attacks were reported: a man died in Queensland after a spearfishing incident, and Steven Mattaboni lost his life when a 4‑meter shark bit him in Western Australia.

For context, you can read further about the frequency of shark incidents in the region and related safety measures.