Sydney woman wakes from induced coma more than a week after shark attack

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 has said.

Leah Stewart was attacked by a shark on Saturday 13 June at Coogee Beach, suffering multiple bites on her arms. legs and extreme blood loss.

The 34-year-old mother was taken to hospital in a critical condition and underwent several surgeries including having her arm amputated.

On Tuesday, her brother said doctors had reduced Stewart's medication so she could wake up briefly from an induced coma. She said "I love you" to her mum. partner who were both by her bedside and asked if her daughter was ok.

"This is a lot faster than anyone expected,. for us this feels like a miracle and is everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week," Joshua Stewart posted in an online message to his sister's supporters.

He said she remains in intensive care. had five days of surgery in the past week, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.

"Leah has a long road ahead. still remains in critical care, but this is such a positive first step and gives us hope for Leah's long term recovery."

Stewart, who works as a teacher, had gone to Coogee Beach on Saturday morning for a swim. was in the water close to the shore whenthe attack happened.

There have been a spate of shark attacks in Australia this year, withfour attacks in a two-day periodin January including a young boy who was bitten at a Sydney beach. later died from his injuries in hospital.

Last month, there were two fatal shark attacks withone man killed by a shark in Queenslandwhile spearfishing. in Western Australia,father-of-two Steven Mattaboni, 38, diedafter he was bitten by a 4m (13ft) shark.

Four attacks in 48 hours: How east Australia's beaches became a 'perfect storm' for sharks