Survivor Greece contestant Stavros Floros is suing production companies and a television channel after a boat propeller severed his leg. Photo / Instagram
Stavros Floros, 22, said it was a “miracle” that he survived after his leg was cut off above the knee by a tourist boat propeller in the waters off Saona Island in the Dominican Republic.
The incident happened while he was spearfishing, which he claimed the contestants were required to
do to find food as part of the show’s format.
He lost his leg on May 11 and only survived as a result of a “tourniquet applied by a stranger aboard the offending tourist boat”, court documents said.
Floros alleged that during filming, the crew allowed contestants to swim in open water in an area frequented by tourists without sufficient warnings in place.
His lawyers criticised the safety protocol of the reality show, while Floros, who competed on season 13 of Survivor’s Greek version, said he saw no safety boats or protection zones.
After the accident, Floros was transferred to a Miami hospital, where he stayed two months for several surgeries.
Floros said in a statement to US Magazine: “I want the world to know the truth: that I went on a reality show and ended up with only one leg at 22 years old, having felt like I was slowly dying.
“I want people to know that they didn’t look after us, that I haven’t received the proper support from the production company, and that no matter what happens, you must always keep your head held high and keep faith in God.
“I also hope it helps prevent similar situations that cause this kind of harm to people and serves as an example for producers of similar concepts to truly look after the people under their responsibility.”
Jason Margulies, Floros’ lawyer, blamed his client’s injuries on the “callous disregard” for safety by the show’s producers.
He said: “We see heartbreaking events like this more and more often. When huge companies take shortcuts and cut corners to maximise profits, it often comes at the cost of public safety, which is absolutely unacceptable.”
The lawsuit names Survivor Greece production companies Acun Medya, Acun Medya Global, Acun LLC, Acun Ilicali and Greek TV channel Skai TV as defendants.
The Telegraph contacted Acun Medya and Skai TV for comment.
Acun Medya told the Toronto Sun the incident happened during a break from filming.
