Mother Speaks After Shark Attack
Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother, has spoken her first words after being brought out of an induced coma following a devastating great white shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs on June 13. According to her family, she uttered 'I love you' to her mother and partner Fernando, who have been by her side in intensive care.
Extensive Surgeries and Recovery
Ms Stewart underwent five days of surgery over the past week and remains in critical care. Her brother Joshua confirmed that doctors were able to extubate her and reduce sedation for a short period. 'This allowed Leah to share her first words, 'I love you',' he said. Her first thoughts were for her daughter August, checking that she was okay. Joshua described this as a miracle, faster than anyone expected.
She is scheduled for further surgeries in the coming weeks. 'Leah has a long road ahead and still remains in critical care, but this is such a positive first step,' he added.
Community Support and Fundraising
A crowdfunding appeal to assist with Ms Stewart's rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, and healthcare expenses has raised $488,000. The attack occurred while she was swimming at Coogee Beach, where an off-duty lifeguard, Charlie Verco, rescued her on a paddleboard. She received blood transfusions on the sand before being airlifted to St Vincent's Hospital.
Ms Stewart, a teacher at Hurstville Adventist School, was remembered by former colleagues as a survivor, referencing her past desire to appear on the television show Australian Survivor.
Shark Drone Surveillance
At the time of the attack, Coogee Beach was not monitored by shark drones due to its location under a flight path, though authorities later granted a temporary exemption. The shark is believed to have been between three and four metres in length.
