Filming of reality show Survivor Greece has been halted after a contestant sustained a devastating injury.
Stavros Floros, 21, was reportedly spearfishing during downtime from production on May 10 when he was hit in the water by a tourist boat.
Floros, who works as a beekeeper, was taking part in the series while it was being filmed in the Dominican Republic. During the incident, he became caught in the vessel’s propellor.
According to the Toronto Sun, the injuries led to his left leg being amputated below the knee, along with serious damage to his right ankle.
Broadcaster Skai TV has since confirmed the show will not air while the circumstances surrounding the accident are examined.
“Until the causes of the incident are fully investigated, the television broadcast of the program is being suspended.”
The network also said it will support Floros’ care, including treatment, hospital costs, and any rehabilitation that may be needed.
Survivor Greece was in its 13th season, which began airing on January 11.
After the accident, emergency responders provided first aid at the scene before Floros was transported to Centro Médico Central Romana.
He remains in hospital, where his condition has been described as serious but stable, and he is said to be out of danger.
Production company AcunMedya also issued a statement about what happened, saying it wanted to set out the details as clearly as possible.
“Following our initial announcement regarding the serious accident involving a Survivor contestant in the Dominican Republic, and out of a sense of responsibility toward the public and, above all, toward the contestant himself, we consider it necessary to clarify the exact circumstances under which the incident occurred.
“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.”
It continued by stating that help was provided immediately and that authorities are now working to establish exactly how the incident occurred.
“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 contestant remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition and is out of danger.”
AcunMedya added that Floros had been “diving without a surface marker buoy in an area frequented by tourist vessels”, and said the boat “accidentally struck him”.