Survivor filming suspended after contestant loses leg in horror boating accident

The Greek version of Survivor has been suspended after contestant Stavros Floros suffered catastrophic injuries in a Dominican Republic boating accident during a break in production

The Greek edition of Survivor has been halted following a horrific boating accident that left contestant Stavros Floros with life-changing injuries while filming in the Dominican Republic.

The shocking incident occurred during a production break near Saona Island, where the 21-year-old participant had ventured out for spearfishing in the surrounding waters. Local officials and production firm Acun Medya confirmed that Stavros was underwater without proper surface marking equipment in waters frequently used by tourist vessels when he was struck by a boat.

Accounts reveal he became entangled in an outboard motor’s propeller, sustaining horrific wounds to both his lower legs. Dominican media reported that his left leg required amputation below the knee, while his right ankle also sustained severe damage.

Paramedics administered emergency treatment at the location before rushing him to a medical facility in La Romana on the Dominican Republic’s southern coastline.

Acun Medya released a statement confirming that Stavros remains in hospital in a “serious but stable” condition and is no longer facing immediate peril. The firm subsequently announced he had regained consciousness and was under close observation in intensive care, reports the Mirror.

“From the very first seconds, everything was done to provide him with first aid and ensure his evacuation under the strictest safety conditions,” the production company stated. Acun Medya also emphasised the incident occurred outside the show’s parameters, stating: “According to the information available so far, the accident appears to have happened when a tourist boat injured the contestant while he was spearfishing outside the competitive process of the reality show.”

The production company revealed that medical professionals are considering moving Stavros to a specialised facility in the United States when his health permits. Three relatives were reportedly en route to the Dominican Republic to support him, while producer Acun Ilıcalı had already arrived in the country.

Dominican officials, including police and coastguard personnel, have launched an investigation into the crash.

Reports indicate the craft involved was a tourist vessel called “Adrien III”. The Dominican Republic Navy confirmed the boat returned to the Bayahibe shipyard after the incident. Captain Walker Nathan Polanco Morales allegedly informed investigators the vessel was bound for Saona Island during a tourist trip when it accidentally collided with Stavros.

Greek television network SKAI TV reacted by immediately suspending broadcasts of the programme’s 13th series pending completion of the inquiry.

The broadcaster has also committed to assisting Stavros and his family during his recovery, including covering medical bills and rehabilitation costs. The incident triggered massive concern throughout Greek social media, with audiences flooding the contestant and his loved ones with supportive messages.

Stavros subsequently reached out to his supporters via an Instagram post, 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.”