More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui

Over 1,700 British Individuals Join Legal Battle Against Tui After Illness in Cape Verde

Irwin Mitchell solicitors, representing personal injury claims, noted that they’ve received reports from individuals who fell ill in Cape Verde as recently as two weeks ago. The legal action involves more than 1,700 people who contracted sickness during their holidays in the West African archipelago, with some cases resulting in fatalities. Lawyers suggest that at least eight Britons have died since the start of 2023 following trips to the islands.

Health Officials Issue Warnings in February

In February, UK health officials raised concerns about travel to Cape Verde due to outbreaks of stomach bugs. Tui, the travel company under scrutiny, has stated it is “not in a position to provide a statement at this stage” and mentioned it lacks access to the full health report from the country, which remains unpublished.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 from 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.”

Lawyers claim clients have reported illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic infections like cryptosporidium. These cases affect individuals of all ages, including infants as young as six months. The UK Health Security Agency previously identified 112 shigella cases and 43 salmonella incidents linked to Cape Verde trips since October 2025.

Hotel Conditions Under Scrutiny

Irwin Mitchell has collected evidence pointing to issues at certain Cape Verde hotels, including footage showing undercooked food, fly-infested buffets, and mold in accommodations. The firm now believes the death toll from illnesses in the region has risen to eight, up from the earlier count of six.

Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, died on 10 August after falling ill during a Tui-organized holiday at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son, Sean Walsh, described how his mother’s condition worsened rapidly. “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“I just want people to not go there. Because, yes people can go on holidays there and come back and be fine but my mum didn’t. If people are willing to run that risk, then go for it but I’d say to people: don’t,” Sean added.

Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, died on 12 October after a two-week Tui holiday in Cape Verde. She slipped on water leaking from a fridge while rushing to the bathroom, breaking her leg. Pooley was transferred to Tenerife, where she succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure the following day. Her daughter, Liz Pooley, criticized Tui, 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.”

RIU Hotels and Resorts emphasized that its Cape Verde facilities adhere to strict international health standards, verified by external consultants. Tui reiterated its commitment to supporting customers who fall ill, ensuring access to care and assistance during their stays.