A “Survivor” contestant who lost his leg in a horrifying boating accident is now demanding $100 million from the reality show’s production company.
Stavros Floros, who competed on “Survivor Greece,” filed a massive lawsuit after a boat propeller struck him while he was spearfishing near Saona Island in the Dominican Republic during production of the show’s 13th season, according to TMZ.
The terrifying accident happened during a break from filming in May.
Floros was in the water when the propeller reportedly tore through his body, severing his left leg above the knee.
He was rushed to a hospital in Miami, where doctors performed multiple surgeries in an attempt to treat his devastating injuries.
Floros remained hospitalized for 61 days before finally being released.
Now, he is accusing producers of failing to protect him from a danger they allegedly knew existed.
According to court documents cited by TMZ, Floros claims his severed leg was lost in the ocean and that he survived only because a stranger aboard the tourist boat quickly placed a tourniquet on him.
Floros alleges that “only a tourniquet applied by a stranger aboard the offending tourist boat kept him alive.”
The reality star also claims contestants were expected to become comfortable with spearfishing as part of their experience on the show.
According to the lawsuit, producers knew the waters where contestants were spearfishing were heavily traveled by tourist boats.
Floros further alleges that production failed to provide contestants with safety boats, protected swimming areas or adequate warning markers despite what he claims was a recent death in the same body of water.
The show’s production company, AcunMedya, offered a different account following the accident.
“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 in a statement obtained by the Toronto Sun.
The company said assistance was provided immediately and Floros was safely transported for medical treatment.
“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 continued.
Production on the season was reportedly halted immediately after the accident.
Filming has remained inactive, with no indication so far that cameras will resume rolling on season 13.
Floros has since returned home to Greece following his lengthy hospital stay.
Despite the life-changing injury, he has appeared upbeat in photos and videos shared on Instagram, where he has documented portions of his recovery.
The former contestant has been surrounded by friends and family during his physical rehabilitation as he learns to adjust to life after losing his leg.
His $100 million lawsuit now puts the spotlight on whether producers did enough to protect contestants from boat traffic in the waters surrounding the show’s filming location.
