A reality TV contestant has suffered serious injuries in a boating accident during filming, prompting the suspension of production and an ongoing investigation
The Greek version of Survivor has been suspended after contestant Stavros Floros suffered catastrophic injuries in a boating accident during filming in the Dominican Republic.
The incident happened during a break in production near Saona Island, where the 21-year-old contestant had reportedly gone spearfishing at sea. According to local authorities and production company Acun Medya, Stavros was diving without a surface marker buoy in an area regularly used by tourist boats when a vessel struck him.
Reports state he became caught in the propeller of an outboard motor, suffering devastating injuries to both lower limbs. Local media said his left leg had to be amputated below the knee, while his right ankle was also seriously injured.
Emergency services treated him at the scene before he was transferred to hospital in La Romana on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.
In a statement, Acun Medya said Stavros remains hospitalised in a “serious but stable” condition and is no longer in danger. The company later confirmed he had regained consciousness and was being monitored in intensive care.
“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 said.
Acun Medya also stressed the incident happened away from the programme itself, saying: “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 company said doctors are considering transferring Stavros to a specialist centre in the United States once his condition allows. Three family members were also said to be travelling to the Dominican Republic to be by his side, while producer Acun Ilıcalı had already arrived in the country.
Dominican authorities, including police and coast guard officials, have launched an investigation into the collision.
According to reports, the vessel involved was a tourist boat named “Adrien III”. The Dominican Republic Navy said the boat returned to the shipyard in Bayahibe following the incident. Captain Walker Nathan Polanco Morales reportedly told investigators the vessel had been heading to Saona Island as part of a tourist excursion when it accidentally struck Stavros.
Greek broadcaster SKAI TV responded by immediately halting broadcasts of the programme’s 13th season until the investigation is complete.
The broadcaster also pledged to support Stavros and his family throughout his recovery, including covering medical costs and rehabilitation expenses.
The accident sparked widespread concern across Greek social media, with viewers sending messages of support to the contestant and his family.
Stavros later addressed supporters in a post on Instagram, writing: “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.”
