Over 1,700 UK Residents Affected by Cape Verde Illnesses Sue Tui
Legal action against Tui has expanded to include over 1,700 individuals who fell ill during holidays in Cape Verde, as confirmed by representatives from Irwin Mitchell. These claims focus on health issues reported by travelers in recent months, with some cases dating back just two weeks. The law firm emphasized that their clients have faced severe consequences, including at least eight fatalities linked to illnesses contracted on the island.
Health Alert and Ongoing Investigations
In February, UK health authorities issued a warning about potential risks for travelers visiting Cape Verde, citing outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections. Tui, which has transported more than a million tourists to the archipelago since 2022, is currently examining the claims. However, the company stated it cannot provide a detailed response yet, as the full health report from Cape Verde remains unpublished.
“In all my years of handling such cases, I’ve never encountered this scale of illness. Many of our clients have suffered tragically, and the situation has worsened with deaths,” said Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell. “Tui had a duty to ensure their holidays were safe, yet the opposite occurred.”
Lawyers have gathered evidence suggesting problems at certain Cape Verde hotels, such as undercooked meals, food exposed to flies, and mold in guest rooms. Clients have reported infections like E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and cryptosporidium, affecting even infants as young as six months. The UK Health Security Agency identified 112 shigella and 43 salmonella cases since October 2025, though the exact timeline may vary.
Tragic Cases Highlight Concerns
Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, died after contracting an illness at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. She fell ill on August 8, 2023, and passed away three days later. Her son Sean described the rapid decline, stating, “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d recover, but she just got worse.”
Another victim, Karen Pooley from Lydney, died in October 2023 following a two-week trip. She slipped on water from a fridge, broke her leg, and later succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Her daughter Liz expressed grief, saying, “No family should endure this. We FaceTimed our mum on a Friday night, and by the next Friday, we were organizing her funeral.”
Cape Verde’s Appeal and Hotel Claims
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, attracts visitors with its warm climate and scenic beaches. RIU Hotels and Resorts, which operates the resort where Elena and Karen were staying, claims to uphold strict international health standards. The company stated, “Our facilities in Cape Verde are certified by reputable consultancy firms, ensuring guest safety.”
If settlements cannot be reached, Irwin Mitchell warns of potential High Court rulings that could award millions in damages. The firm is determined to pursue every case, stressing the responsibility Tui had in providing a risk-free holiday experience. Families affected continue to seek justice, highlighting the growing concern over travel safety in the region.
