The Greek edition of the reality TV show Survivor has been put on hold following a tragic incident involving contestant Stavros Floros, who sustained severe injuries in a boating mishap while filming in the Dominican Republic.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred while the 21-year-old competitor was engaged in spearfishing off Saona Island during a production break. Allegedly, Stavros was diving without a surface marker buoy in an area frequently traversed by tourist vessels when he was struck by a boat.
It is reported that he got entangled in the propeller of an outboard motor, resulting in significant injuries to both of his lower limbs. Local media disclosed that his left leg had to be amputated below the knee, and his right ankle sustained critical damage.
Emergency responders provided immediate care at the scene before transferring Stavros to a hospital in La Romana, located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Acun Medya released a statement affirming that Stavros is currently in a “serious but stable” condition in the hospital and is out of immediate danger. The production company later confirmed that he had regained consciousness and was under intensive care observation.
The production company emphasized that the incident took place outside the show’s competition framework, clarifying, “The accident occurred while the contestant was engaged in spearfishing, not as part of the reality show’s competitive activities.”
Medical professionals are contemplating transferring Stavros to a specialized facility in the United States once his health permits. Additionally, three family members are en route to the Dominican Republic to support him, while producer Acun Ilıcalı has already arrived in the country.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic, including the police and coast guard, have initiated an inquiry into the collision.
The boat involved in the incident, a tourist vessel named “Adrien III,” was reported to have returned to the shipyard in Bayahibe after the accident. Captain Walker Nathan Polanco Morales indicated that the boat accidentally collided with Stavros while en route to Saona Island for a tourist excursion.
Responding to the situation, Greek broadcaster SKAI TV promptly suspended airing the 13th season of the show pending the completion of the investigation.
The broadcaster has committed to assisting Stavros and his family throughout his recovery, including covering medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
The incident has sparked widespread concern on Greek social media, with an outpouring of supportive messages for the contestant and his family.
Stavros later expressed gratitude to his well-wishers in a post on Instagram, stating, “Thank you is a bit small compared to all the love I have received; the whole thing is truly a miracle. Thank you all for giving me this smile.”
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