Israeli Survivor Shares Remarkable Recovery After Yacht Accident in Greece
Ido Mamon, an Israeli man from Yehud, recounts his extraordinary recovery following a severe accident on a yacht in Greece two years ago. During a bachelor party trip with close friends, Mamon attempted to jump from the mast into the water but missed, landing on metal rods that punctured his lung and cut his neck deeply. His friends improvised a rescue operation, transporting him between four boats over five hours while one held his neck to prevent further injury. Mamon was eventually hospitalized in Athens and later transferred to Sheba Medical Center in Israel, where he spent eight days unconscious.
After waking, Mamon faced a difficult rehabilitation journey marked by loss of speech, weight loss, anxiety, and isolation. He credits writing as a crucial tool for coping and rebuilding himself, describing how he "disassembled and reassembled" his identity. Transitioning to the Reut rehabilitation hospital marked a turning point, where supportive staff helped him regain basic functions like swallowing and eating. Despite moments of jealousy and despair, Mamon emphasizes the importance of expressing emotions and the vital role of family, friends, and caregivers in his recovery.
Today, Mamon has embraced the LGBTQ community, which he once feared, becoming an active member and advocate. He shares his story openly to inspire others, recently helping a young man come out by simply being authentic about his struggles. Mamon will speak at the upcoming 2026 Pride Health Conference in Tel Aviv, where he hopes to continue breaking stigma and promoting genuine connection within the community.
His story highlights resilience, the power of friendship, and the ongoing process of healing after trauma. Mamon reflects on the lasting impact of the accident on his friends, noting that one still lives with the memory of holding four fingers inside his neck to save his life. He sees his survival and transformation as a victory not only for himself but also for those who stood by him.
