Sydney shark attack victim briefly wakes from coma, says 'I love you' to family

Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher and mother, has shown remarkable signs of recovery after a severe shark attack in Sydney left her in critical condition. She briefly awoke from a medically induced coma, telling her family "I love you" and asking about her one-year-old daughter, August. Her brother described her awakening as a "miracle."

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I love you

Stewart suffered extensive injuries to her arms and legs, including extreme blood loss and the surgical amputation of her arm. She has undergone five operations since the June 13 attack and faces more surgeries in the coming weeks. She remains in intensive care.

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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.

Members of the public, including a volunteer lifeguard, pulled Stewart from the water near the shore and administered first aid. She was then taken to the hospital in critical condition. A GoFundMe page established by her brother has raised nearly AU$500,000 to support Stewart and her family.

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They’re not a protected species and we’re currently undertaking a head count [to see] whether there’s been an increase in the harbour as a result of a healthier harbour and more fish stocks within that tributary [and] what it means for swimming and recreating.

In response to the attack, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated that a cull of great white sharks is not being considered. However, authorities are investigating the possibility of culling bull sharks, which are not a protected species, due to potential increases in their population within the harbor.

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But a cull of great whites is not going to be the answer to this and we’re not contemplating that.