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Camera IconMr Vidiniotis was later transported by paramedics to Royal Perth Hospital and rushed into emergency spinal surgery. Credit: Unknown\/Supplied<\/p>\nA Greek tourist who arrived in WA just two days before he suffered a \u201ccatastrophic\u201d spinal injury at Cottesloe Beach has been given a slim chance of walking again.<\/p>\n
Ioannis Vidiniotis, 28, was at Cottesloe Beach around midday on New Years Eve when he dived into the water before his head struck a sandbank, only to resurface floating face down unresponsive.<\/p>\n
His cousin, who was swimming with him at the time, was forced to drag him out of the water before lifesavers and a nearby anaesthetist helped by giving him CPR.<\/p>\n
Mr Vidiniotis was later transported by paramedics to Royal Perth Hospital and rushed into emergency spinal surgery.<\/p>\n
A statement issued by the Hellenic Community of Western Australia said medical specialists had given Mr Vidiniotis a less than five per cent chance of walking again.<\/p>\n
Camera IconMr Vidiniotis was later transported by paramedics to Royal Perth Hospital and rushed into emergency spinal surgery. Credit: Unknown\/Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cMedical specialists have now confirmed the severity of Ioannis\u2019 injuries, advising the family that his chance of walking again is less than five per cent \u2014 a prognosis that has shattered the family and underscored the unpredictable dangers of the ocean,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn response, the Hellenic Community of Western Australia has launched a GoFundMe appeal to support Ioannis and his family with extensive medical, rehabilitation and long-term care costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an international visitor, the financial burden is significant and ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n
His cousin, Aristea Kazantzidou, thanked the anaesthetist named Lloyd and lifesavers for giving Ioannis a \u201cslim chance\u201d after he suffered a \u201cbroken collarbone and catastrophic spinal fractures\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the hardest reality for our family to face,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIoannis went into the water feeling safe \u2014 the next I saw him floating face down. None of us could have imagined how quickly everything would change.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe staff, doctors and nurses at Royal Perth Hospital have been extraordinary.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir compassion, skill and commitment have carried us through the darkest days.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a stark reminder that Perth\u2019s beaches, no matter how calm they appear, can be treacherous. We want people to enjoy our coastline, but also to understand how quickly things can go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n