Turkish tycoon thanks Leros with big donation

In August 2023, Turkish businessman Ali Sabanci, his wife Vuslat Dogan Sabanci, and their children were injured when their boat struck rocks en route from Leipsoi to Leros. The children jumped into the sea moments before impact. Coast guard vessels responded swiftly, and the couple were hospitalized in Leros.

Sabanci, who suffered a ruptured spleen, later recovered in Istanbul. Two years later, he has donated 115,000 euros to Leros Hospital, funding a surgical bed and lighting.

He expressed gratitude to the medical staff, especially surgeon Georgios Krasonikolakis, who “fought to keep him alive.” Hospital director Stamatis Kardasis said, “We simply did our duty,” adding the donation significantly upgraded surgical services in the remote region.