A popular reality television series has been abruptly taken off the air following a horrific accident in which a contestant suffered severe injuries. Stavros Floros, a 22-year-old participant on the Greek edition of Survivor, lost part of his left leg after being struck by a boat while spearfishing during a break from filming.
The incident took place off the coast of Agios Dominikos in the Dominican Republic, where the show was being produced. According to reports, Floros was diving when a tourist boat hit him, causing catastrophic damage from the vessel's outboard engine propellers. Along with a partial amputation of his left leg, he sustained serious trauma to his right ankle.
Production company AcunMedya immediately halted filming of the series. In a statement released to The Wrap, the company 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 confirmed that Floros is hospitalised but in 'stable condition and out of danger.' SKAI television, the network that broadcasts Survivor Greece, also issued a statement confirming the production halt and pledging support for Floros's treatment and recovery.
Greek news site tovima.com reported that the boat's captain is under investigation in a case described as 'Stavros Floros versus the captain of the boat responsible for the serious injury.' Authorities are deciding whether the captain should be detained, released on bail, or placed under house arrest while the criminal probe continues.
Television producer Acun Ilicali called the incident 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.' He explained that contestants routinely enter the sea for fishing activities, but it remains unclear whether the tourist vessel came too close or Floros ventured beyond the designated safe area.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Greek media report that Floros remains optimistic. His mother shared that her son told her: 'Mom, why should I be sad? I'm alive.'
Survivor Greece, a spin-off of the American series Survivor, first aired in 2003. The latest series was in production at the time of the accident. The show had a failed UK revival in 2022.
