Shark attack survivor wakes from 10-day coma and shares first words with family at her hospital bedside

Lead

Leah Stewart, the 34-year-old teacher attacked by a shark at Sydney's Coogee Beach, has woken from a 10-day induced coma and spoken her first words to family at her hospital bedside. Her brother, Joshua Stewart, said she told her mother and partner, Fernando, "I love you" after doctors reduced her sedation and extubated her on Tuesday. Her first thoughts were for her one-year-old daughter, August, asking if she was okay.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been covered by multiple outlets, each focusing on different aspects of the recovery. BBC reported the initial waking and the family's reaction, while Fox News emphasized the "miraculous" nature of her recovery and her ongoing struggle with sleep. The Guardian provided additional context about shark sightings and NSW government responses.

Fox News noted that Stewart has been reading messages from supporters during sleepless nights, finding comfort in the global outpouring of support. Her brother wrote on a GoFundMe page, "We've been sharing some of the beautiful messages we've received with Leah and she's loved them, finding inspiration from the care and love you've all shared."

The Guardian reported that Stewart is no longer in a critical condition and "remembers the whole event in detail," according to her brother's update on Thursday. She has been "overjoyed" to see her daughter for the first time since the incident.

Key Claims

• Attack and initial condition: Stewart was attacked by a shark on 13 June at Coogee Beach, suffering multiple bites on her arms and legs and extreme blood loss. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
• Coma and first words: She was placed in an induced coma for 10 days. After doctors reduced sedation, she woke briefly and said "I love you" to her mother and partner, and asked about her daughter.
• Surgeries and amputation: Stewart underwent five surgeries, including the amputation of one arm. Her brother noted severe tendon and nerve damage in her remaining arm, requiring further repair and intensive rehabilitation.
• Recovery and support: She has a long road to recovery, with more surgeries scheduled. Her family has launched a fundraiser, which has raised more than $488,000, according to The Guardian.
• Shark sightings and beach closures: Multiple shark sightings at Bondi and other Sydney beaches have led to closures. The Guardian reported that the NSW premier announced plans to roll out shark drones across more of the state's beaches. Drone footage showed great white and tiger sharks at Bondi.
• Expert commentary: Marine biologist Rob Harcourt noted the sharks were coming close to shore to feed on "big balls of salmon off the beaches right now," which may explain the increased sightings.

Perspectives

The story includes perspectives from the family, government officials, and experts.

• Leah Stewart's family: Her brother Joshua has been the primary spokesperson, sharing updates on her condition and expressing gratitude for support. He described her recovery as "a miracle" and a "positive first step."
• NSW Department of Primary Industries: The department downplayed the shark sightings, stating that "this is not an uncommon occurrence at this time of year," and pointed to tagged shark data indicating seasonal movements of juvenile white sharks.
• Marine biologist Rob Harcourt: He warned that the sharks were feeding on salmon near shore, which could increase the risk to swimmers.
• Government response: The NSW premier announced plans to expand the use of shark drones, reflecting official efforts to manage the situation.