More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 British Holidaymakers Affected by Cape Verde Illnesses Sue Tui
Lawyers representing over 1,700 British citizens who contracted illnesses during holidays in Cape Verde have confirmed that the legal action against travel company Tui has expanded significantly. The cases, which include severe gastric infections and parasitic conditions, have been reported by individuals as recently as two weeks ago. Legal representatives from Irwin Mitchell claim at least eight Britons have died after trips to the island nation in recent years.
Health Alert and Tui’s Response
In February, UK health authorities issued a warning about potential stomach bug outbreaks in Cape Verde, prompting concerns among travelers. Tui, which has transported more than a million tourists to the archipelago since 2022, is currently investigating the claims but stated it could not provide a definitive statement until the full health report from the country is published.
“In all my years of doing this work, I have not seen a case this large and unfortunately so many that have died as a result of the illnesses,” said Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell. “We are pursuing all of our cases against Tui. They had a responsibility in taking our clients away on a package holiday which was not going to cause them any illness. Unfortunately it was the opposite of that.”
Illnesses and Evidence Gathered
The legal team has documented cases involving bacterial infections such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, alongside parasitic diseases like cryptosporidium. Affected individuals range from infants to adults, including children as young as six months. The UK Health Security Agency reported 112 shigella and 43 salmonella cases linked to Cape Verde travel since October 2025, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Lawyers have also compiled evidence of hygiene concerns at Cape Verde hotels, including footage of undercooked meals, fly-infested buffets, and mold in guest rooms. These findings have intensified the legal push, with expectations of significant compensation if disputes escalate to court.
Personal Accounts of Tragedy
Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, passed away just two days after returning from a Tui-arranged holiday at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son, Sean Walsh, recounted how his mother’s condition worsened rapidly, leaving the family devastated. “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated,” he said during an interview. “I just want people to not go there. Yes, people can go on holidays there and come back fine, but my mum didn’t.”
Karen Pooley, a 64-year-old from Lydney, died in October following a two-week Tui holiday. She slipped on water while rushing to the bathroom after experiencing gastric symptoms, sustaining a leg fracture. Despite emergency airlifts to Tenerife, she succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Her daughter, Liz Pooley, expressed frustration, stating: “No family should go through this. No family should have to FaceTime their mum on a Friday night, and by the following Friday, organise a funeral.”
Tui’s Commitment to Support
Tui maintains that it offers assistance to customers who fall ill during their stays, ensuring access to necessary medical care. However, the firm has not yet addressed the broader concerns raised by the legal team, who emphasize the need for accountability in the wake of multiple deaths linked to Cape Verde holidays.
