A 28-year-old Greek man’s holiday vacation in Australia took an unexpected and devastating turn when he suffered a life-changing accident that now threatens his ability to walk again. Ioannis Vidiniotis had traveled to Australia for the holidays to visit relatives, but during a swim at a popular Perth beach, he suffered a serious accident. The 28-year-old was injured on New Year’s Eve while swimming with family members at Cottesloe Beach, one of the city’s most famous 1.5-kilometer coastal stretches.
How the accident happened to the 28-year-old Greek tourist in Australia
During his swim, he struck his head on a sandbar, causing him to lose consciousness in the water. “Giannis entered the sea feeling safe,” said his cousin, Aristea Kazantzidou. “The next thing I saw was him floating face down. None of us could have imagined how quickly everything would change.” She pulled him from the water while a beachgoer with medical training and lifeguards rushed to provide assistance.
Ambulances arrived at the scene, with paramedics providing first aid before rushing him to Royal Perth Hospital. There, doctors discovered he had suffered a broken collarbone as well as extensive serious injuries to his spinal cord.
Unable to move his legs or close his hands
According to an announcement from the Hellenic Community of Western Australia, the 28-year-old is being treated in the intensive care unit and is unable to move his legs or close his hands. As stated on an online fundraising page, doctors have warned that due to the extent of his spinal injuries, there is a serious possibility of quadriplegia.
Treating physicians estimate that the 28-year-old will remain hospitalized for another six to eight weeks, followed by a six-month rehabilitation program. However, his chances of regaining the ability to walk do not exceed 5%. “This is the most difficult reality our family has ever had to face,” his cousin stated. The young man’s parents are traveling from Greece to Western Australia to be by his side, while the Greek community mobilized immediately, raising nearly $200,000 to cover his medical and treatment expenses.
