A 29-year-old woman who survived a shark attack at a Sydney beach has woken from a coma, doctors confirmed on Thursday. The victim, whose name has not been released, was mauled by a great white shark while swimming at Little Bay Beach on February 16. She suffered severe injuries to her leg and torso and was placed in an induced coma shortly after emergency surgery.
Medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital said she opened her eyes and responded to commands on Wednesday, a significant step in her recovery. The attack, which occurred in the afternoon, prompted the closure of several beaches and a renewed debate about shark mitigation measures in New South Wales. Police have not released further details about the woman's condition, but sources indicate she remains in a serious but stable state.
The incident was the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 1963, though this victim is expected to survive. Authorities have deployed drones and increased patrols along the coastline as investigations into the attack continue.
