More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 British citizens have filed lawsuits against Tui after contracting illnesses during holidays in Cape Verde, according to legal representatives. The firm Irwin Mitchell, handling the personal injury claims, reported that individuals affected have reached out as recently as two weeks ago. They allege that at least eight British nationals have died following trips to the West African archipelago in recent years.
Health warnings and ongoing investigation
In February, UK health officials issued alerts about potential risks for travelers to Cape Verde after reports of gastrointestinal infections emerged. Tui, however, has not yet released a formal statement, stating it lacks access to the full health report, which remains unpublished.
“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.”
Legal teams have compiled evidence of health concerns at various Cape Verde hotels, including footage of undercooked food, fly-infested buffets, and mold in guest rooms. The firm lists illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and cryptosporidium among the reported cases. Children as young as six months have also been affected.
Deaths linked to Cape Verde holidays
The number of fatalities tied to Cape Verde trips has risen from six to eight since January 2023, according to the legal team. Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, died on 10 August 2025 after falling ill at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son, Sean Walsh, described the rapid decline in his mother’s condition: “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated.”
Sean Walsh urged others to avoid the destination: “If people are willing to run that risk, then go for it but I’d say to people: don’t.” Similarly, Karen Pooley, a 64-year-old from Lydney, slipped on water while rushing to the bathroom after gastric symptoms on 11 October 2025. She was later airlifted to Tenerife and died from sepsis and multi-organ failure.
“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,” said Liz Pooley, Karen’s daughter. She accused Tui of failing to ensure proper care for her mother.
RIU Hotels and Resorts, which operates the resorts in Cape Verde, emphasized its commitment to guest safety. The company claims its facilities adhere to rigorous international health standards, verified by external consultants. Tui also stated it offers support to customers experiencing health issues during their stays, ensuring access to medical care and assistance.
Since 2022, Tui has transported over a million holidaymakers to Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony renowned for its beaches and consistent warm climate. The legal battle continues as the firm awaits the final health report to assess the situation fully.
