Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher and mother, was attacked by a shark on June 13 at Coogee Beach in Sydney, suffering multiple bites to her arms and legs [1, 2, 3]. She was airlifted to hospital in critical condition and underwent at least five surgeries, including the amputation of an arm [1, 2, 3].
After around 10 days in an induced coma, doctors reduced her sedation late last week, allowing her to wake briefly. During that time, she told her mother and partner "I love you" and asked about her one-year-old daughter, concerned for her wellbeing [1, 2, 3]. Her partner, Joshua Stewart, said, "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" [1]. He added that her first thoughts upon waking were checking on her daughter [2].
Leah remains in intensive care and faces more surgeries to aid her recovery after the extensive injuries sustained in the attack [1, 2, 3].
Online fundraising for Stewart’s medical treatment has raised over $488,000 so far [2].
The attack comes amid increased shark sightings near Sydney beaches, where recent drone footage and tagged shark detections have forced temporary closures such as at Bondi Beach [2]. The New South Wales government explained the surge by noting juvenile white sharks migrate north along the coast during autumn and winter [2].
Calls for shark culling after the incident have emerged, but NSW Premier Chris Minns rejected such measures, emphasizing the need for balanced shark management [2].
In 2026, Australia has seen multiple shark attacks, including fatal ones in Queensland and Western Australia last month and a deadly attack on a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbour in January [1, 3].
The next updates are expected as Leah Stewart continues treatment and planned surgeries in the coming weeks.
