Ioannis Vidiniotis: Greek tourist suffers ‘catastrophic’ spinal injury at Perth’s popular Cottesloe Beach

A Greek tourist who arrived in WA just two days before he suffered a “catastrophic” spinal injury at Cottesloe Beach has been given a slim chance of walking again.

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.

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.

Mr Vidiniotis was later transported by paramedics to Royal Perth Hospital and rushed into emergency spinal surgery.

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.

“Medical specialists have now confirmed the severity of Ioannis’ injuries, advising the family that his chance of walking again is less than five per cent — a prognosis that has shattered the family and underscored the unpredictable dangers of the ocean,” the statement read.

“In 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.

“As an international visitor, the financial burden is significant and ongoing.”

His cousin, Aristea Kazantzidou, thanked the anaesthetist named Lloyd and lifesavers for giving Ioannis a “slim chance” after he suffered a “broken collarbone and catastrophic spinal fractures”.

“This is the hardest reality for our family to face,” she said.

“Ioannis went into the water feeling safe — the next I saw him floating face down. None of us could have imagined how quickly everything would change.

“The staff, doctors and nurses at Royal Perth Hospital have been extraordinary.

“Their compassion, skill and commitment have carried us through the darkest days.

“This is a stark reminder that Perth’s 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.”

More than $160,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to help cover the medical bills for Mr Vidiniotis, who works for a bank in Athens, Greece.

The fundraiser said he currently had no movement in his legs, hands and that he is at risk of quadriplegia.

He was due to spend several weeks in Perth to visit his extended family at the time of the accident. His parents have since arranged to leave Greece to be with their son, according to the online fundraiser.

A spokesman for Royal Perth Hospital on Wednesday said he remained in a stable condition ahead of months of rehabilitation.