More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 British Individuals Now Part of Tui Lawsuit Following Cape Verde Illnesses
Legal Action Grows as Health Concerns Emerge
Irwin Mitchell solicitors, representing the personal injury case, have reported receiving inquiries from individuals who fell ill during holidays in Cape Verde. The cases involve a range of ailments, including bacterial and parasitic infections, and the firm is currently pursuing legal claims against Tui. Lawyers claim that some affected guests contracted illnesses as recently as two weeks ago, raising concerns about the safety of the resort experience.
Health Warnings and Unresolved Issues
In February, UK health officials issued a warning about potential gastrointestinal risks in Cape Verde, citing reports of stomach bugs. Tui has yet to comment on the claims, stating it “does not yet have access to the full Cape Verde health report, which remains unpublished.” The company has also acknowledged ongoing investigations into the matter.
Notable Cases and Family Impact
“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, a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell. He emphasized that Tui had a duty to ensure holidays were free from illness, which has been repeatedly violated.
Two families have shared their tragic experiences. Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, died shortly after returning from a Tui package holiday at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son, Sean Walsh, described how his mother’s condition worsened rapidly, leading to her hospitalization and eventual passing. “I just want people to not go there,” he said. “My mum didn’t come back fine.”
“No family should go through this,” stated Liz Pooley, daughter of Karen Pooley, who died in October after a two-week Tui holiday. “We FaceTimed our mum on a Friday night, and by the following Friday, we were organising her funeral.” Karen had fallen ill with gastric symptoms and later suffered a fatal accident involving a slip on water, resulting in sepsis and multi-organ failure.
Pooley’s family blames Tui for the incident, which occurred while she was staying at a Cape Verde resort. The firm has pledged to support customers experiencing health issues, but the families argue this support was insufficient.
Investigation and Evidence Gathered
Irwin Mitchell has compiled evidence of hygiene and safety problems at several Cape Verde hotels, including footage of undercooked food, fly-infested buffets, and mold in accommodations. The solicitors initially reported six deaths linked to illnesses since 2023 but now believe the toll has risen to eight. Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, has become a popular destination for British tourists due to its beaches and consistent climate, with Tui alone sending over a million visitors since 2022.
RIU Hotels and Resorts, which operates the resorts in question, asserted that their facilities adhere to “strict international health and hygiene standards,” verified by external consultants. However, the ongoing legal battle suggests that these measures may have fallen short for some travelers.
