More than 1,700 individuals have now joined legal action against the travel company Tui, citing illnesses contracted during holidays in the Cape Verde islands. Lawyers representing these individuals informed the BBC of the escalating number of claims.
Solicitors from Irwin Mitchell, who are spearheading the personal injury claims, have reported being contacted by individuals who became ill as recently as two weeks ago. The firm believes that at least eight Britons have passed away following holidays in Cape Verde in recent years. This legal action follows a warning issued by UK health officials in February to Britons considering travel to the West African archipelago, prompted by reports of widespread stomach bugs.
Tui has stated it is investigating these claims but is not yet in a position to issue a formal statement. The company indicated that it has not yet obtained access to the complete health report for Cape Verde, which remains unpublished.
Jatinder Paul, representing Irwin Mitchell solicitors, described the situation to BBC Breakfast as unprecedented in his experience. “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,” he stated.
Legal Action and Alleged Negligence
Irwin Mitchell is pursuing all cases against Tui. Paul emphasized the company’s responsibility, saying, “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.”
Paul further indicated that if amicable resolutions cannot be reached, the firm anticipates a High Court judge will issue an order for substantial damages. “If we’re unable to resolve them amicably we expect a judge in the High Court to make an order which would involve payment of millions of pounds worth of damages to our clients,” he added.
According to Irwin Mitchell, their clients have reported contracting severe gastric illnesses, including E coli, salmonella, and shigella, along with parasitic infections like cryptosporidium. The affected individuals include very young children, some as young as six months old.
Official Warnings and Health Concerns
Data from the UK Health Security Agency, released in February, revealed a significant number of reported illnesses linked to travel in Cape Verde. Since October 2025, the agency recorded 112 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella linked to travel there. Shigella and salmonella are well-known gastrointestinal infections that can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever.
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, is a popular tourist destination, attractive for its sandy beaches and consistent warm climate throughout the year. Since 2022, Tui has facilitated travel for over one million holidaymakers to the islands.
Gathering Evidence and Hotel Conditions
Lawyers involved in the case have been collecting evidence related to conditions at several hotels in Cape Verde. The BBC has reviewed footage that appears to show undercooked food, buffet areas infested with flies, and evidence of mould within guest rooms.
Previously, the legal team had reported six British fatalities following holidays in Cape Verde since January 2023. This figure has now been updated to believe eight individuals have died.
Personal Tragedies Highlighted
Elena Walsh and her family, from Birmingham, were among those who booked a package holiday to Cape Verde through Tui last year. Ms. Walsh, aged 64, was staying at the five-star RIU Cabo Verde resort when she began to feel unwell on August 8 of the previous year. She was subsequently admitted to the hospital, where she passed away on August 10.
Her son, Sean Walsh, recounted the rapid deterioration of his mother’s health. “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. He expressed a strong desire to warn others against travelling there, stating, “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.”
RIU Hotels and Resorts issued a statement asserting that guest health and safety are their primary concerns. They stated, “Our hotels in Cape Verde follow the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external prestigious consultancy firms, specialised in health and safety.”
Karen Pooley, from Lydney, also died in October following a two-week holiday in Cape Verde booked through Tui. She developed gastric symptoms on October 11. The following day, while experiencing sickness, she slipped on water leaking from a fridge, sustaining a broken leg. Ms. Pooley, 64, was transferred by air ambulance from a clinic in Cape Verde to Tenerife on October 16. She died the next day from sepsis and multi-organ failure.
Liz Pooley, Karen’s daughter, holds Tui responsible for her mother’s death. She shared her profound grief and frustration with the BBC: “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.”
Tui has stated that it offers support to any customers who experience illness while on holiday, ensuring they receive appropriate care and assistance.