Hostage's family 'could see her blood' as they watched siege
The family of hostage Marcia Mikhael has spoken out about their most fearful hours as they watched the Sydney siege unfold from their home in Canada.
Ms Mikhael's brother-in-law Michael told local Canadian media she communicated with her family during the siege.
"She kept sending messages to her husband from inside the cafe," he said.
"[She said] 'I am in the cafe being [held] hostage with the others and I am afraid and I hope God will help us to get out alive'."
After watching anxiously for hours, the family then witnessed Ms Mikhael being carried out frantic and shoeless by police.
"All of a sudden I saw... they are carrying her and from her face, I knew that was Marcia and I was relieved at that time," he said.
"I kind of screamed, 'Oh, this is Marcia. Thank God she's alive and I hope everybody will be alive and not [in] captivity and no-one will die.' Then I broke down in tears.
"All you think is the bad things [like] she might not make it, she may die, she may suffer."
Then they saw blood.
"Right away I could see the blood on her feet and they are carrying her away," Mr Mikhael said.
Ms Mikhael's husband, George, released a statement thanking supporters after the ordeal.
"On behalf of my dear wife Marcia and our family, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all those who have offered their prayers, thoughts and well wishes during this trying time," the statement read.
"We are extremely grateful to have our cherished Marcia safe with us again and, while she embarks on the initial stages of recovery from these tragic events, she remains in good spirits.
"We would like to take this opportunity to formally thank all members of the police force, ambulance [service] and other officials who were involved in the rescue effort."
Ms Mikhael's brother-in-law Michael said the family was still in shock.
"I never thought that we can be in a situation like this never ever," he said.
