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Less Than 5% Chance of Walking After Aussie Beach Accident
15 Jan
Summary
- A Greek tourist faces paralysis after a New Year's Eve dive at Cottesloe Beach.
- He suffered spinal fractures, with doctors giving a less than 5% chance of walking.
- A fundraiser supports his extensive rehabilitation and medical costs.
A holiday trip to Perth, Australia, ended in tragedy for 28-year-old Greek tourist Ioannis Vidiniotis. While swimming at Cottesloe Beach on New Year's Eve, he suffered a devastating accident, diving headfirst into a sandbank. The impact resulted in multiple spinal fractures and a broken collarbone, leaving him unresponsive in the water.
After being pulled ashore and resuscitated, Mr. Vidiniotis underwent emergency spinal surgery at Royal Perth Hospital. He has remained in intensive care for approximately two weeks since the incident on December 31, 2025. Currently, he has no movement in his legs and cannot close his hands, with doctors advising a significant prognosis.
Medical specialists have confirmed the severity of his injuries, stating his chance of walking again is less than five percent. The Hellenic Community of Western Australia has highlighted the need for a six-month rehabilitation program. A fundraiser has been launched to address the immense financial burden of his ongoing care and rehabilitation.
