More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Legal Action Grows Against Tui Over Cape Verde Illnesses
Over 1,700 British individuals have filed lawsuits against travel company Tui following illnesses sustained during holidays in Cape Verde, according to legal representatives. The firm’s lawyers, from Irwin Mitchell, stated that recent cases, including incidents as late as two weeks ago, have prompted the expansion of the personal injury claim. They estimate that at least eight Britons have died after trips to the West African archipelago in recent years.
Health Warnings and Unpublished Reports
In February, UK health officials issued a caution to travelers about gastrointestinal infections after reports of stomach bugs surfaced. Tui, which is currently investigating the claims, noted it cannot comment definitively without access to the full Cape Verde health report, which remains unpublished. The company emphasized its commitment to providing care for unwell customers during their stays.
“Throughout my career, I’ve never encountered a case of this scale, and it’s disheartening that so many have lost their lives due to these illnesses,” said Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell. “Tui had a duty to ensure holidays were safe, yet the opposite occurred.”
Illnesses Linked to Travel
Irwin Mitchell’s clients have reported contracting bacterial infections such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, alongside parasitic diseases like cryptosporidium. The affected include infants as young as six months, according to the law firm. UK Health Security Agency data revealed 112 shigella and 43 salmonella cases linked to Cape Verde since October 2025, though the exact timeline of these infections is under review.
Cape Verde as a Popular Destination
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, attracts millions of tourists annually with its pristine beaches and consistent warm climate. Since 2022, Tui has accommodated over a million holidaymakers in the region, yet recent claims suggest systemic issues at some resorts. Lawyers are compiling evidence of hotel conditions, including footage of undercooked food, fly-infested buffets, and mold in accommodations.
Tragic Cases and Family Impact
Elena Walsh’s family from Birmingham became one of the affected when her mother, aged 64, fell ill during a Tui package holiday at RIU Cabo Verde resort in August 2025. She deteriorated rapidly and passed away two days later. Her son, Sean Walsh, urged others to avoid the destination, stating, “My mum didn’t recover. If people are willing to take that risk, go for it—but I’d say don’t.”
Karen Pooley, from Lydney, died in October after slipping on water from a fridge while rushing to the bathroom. She was flown to Tenerife and succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Her daughter, Liz Pooley, expressed frustration, saying, “No family should endure this. We FaceTimed our mum on a Friday night, and by the next, we were organizing her funeral.”
Expecting High Court Intervention
Jatinder Paul added that if settlements cannot be reached, a High Court judge may order millions in damages for affected clients. The law firm continues to gather evidence, including testimonies from families and visual documentation of alleged health hazards. RIU Hotels and Resorts defended its standards, claiming its Cape Verde properties adhere to international health protocols certified by external agencies.
