A hit reality television show has been suddenly pulled off the air after one contestant suffered a grisly injury while filming.
22-year-old Stavros Floros had been spearfishing between shoots on Survivor Greece in the Dominican Republic when the incident occurred.
A spin-off of the popular American series Survivor, which included a failed UK revival in 2022, the Greek edition of the show first aired in 2003, with filming underway on its latest series.
According to reports, Floros had been diving off the coast of Agios Dominikos when he was struck by a boat.
Sustaining severe injuries from the vessel’s outboard engine propellers, he suffered what is described as ‘a partial amputation of the left leg’ as well as significant trauma to his right ankle.
In the wake of this incident, production company AcunMedya have suspended production of the show.
A statement from AcunMedya released to The Wrap said: ‘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.
‘From the very first moment, there was an immediate response to provide assistance and safely transport the injured contestant, while the competent port authorities are investigating the causes of the incident in order to fully determine the circumstances.’
The statement added that Floros is hospitalised but in ‘stable condition and out of danger.’
SKAI television, upon which Survivor Greece airs, also released a statement confirming that production had been halted, and said that they planned to assist with Floros’ treatment and recovery.
According to Greek news website tovima.com, the captain of the boat is under investigation in a case described as ‘Stavros Floros versus the captain of the boat responsible for the serious injury.’
The outlet reports that authorities are deciding whether the boat’s Captain should be placed under detention, bail or house arrest while the criminal investigation continues.
Television producer Acun Ilicali described the incident as a ‘deeply unfortunate event’ during an interview with journalist Cuneyt Ozdemir.
As reported by Turkiye Today, Ilicali said; ‘It was a very unfortunate accident. We are extremely saddened,’ explaining that it was normal for contestants to enter the sea for fishing activities.
He went on to say that it was still unclear whether a tourist vessel had come too close or if Floros had moved beyond the designated safe area.
As for Floros, Greek media are reporting that he remains optimistic.
In the wake of the accident, his mother said that her son told her: ‘Mom, why should I be sad? I’m alive.’
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