More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Legal Claims and Investigation
Lawyers representing over 1,700 British citizens have filed legal claims against Tui, citing illnesses contracted during holidays in the Cape Verde islands. The firm, Irwin Mitchell, has received reports of cases as recent as two weeks ago. Tui is currently investigating the allegations but has not yet released a statement, stating it lacks access to the complete Cape Verde health report, which remains unpublished.
Health Warnings and Cases
In February, UK health officials issued a warning about travel to Cape Verde following reports of stomach bugs. The current legal action centers on gastrointestinal infections such as shigella and salmonella, which have been linked to 112 and 43 cases respectively since October 2025. Additionally, clients have reported parasitic infections and bacterial illnesses like E. coli and shigella. The affected include infants as young as six months old.
Testimonies from Affected Families
Elena Walsh, from Birmingham, shared her family’s experience after her mother died from an illness during a Tui-arranged holiday. The 64-year-old became unwell at the RIU Cabo Verde resort on August 8, 2023, and passed away three days later. Her son Sean described the rapid decline: “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated.” He urged others to avoid the destination, stating, “Yes, people can go on holidays there and come back fine, but my mum didn’t.”
“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.” — Liz Pooley, daughter of Karen Pooley, who died after a two-week Tui holiday in October 2023.
Hotel Conditions and Ongoing Cases
Lawyers have gathered evidence of issues at Cape Verde hotels, including undercooked food, buffet areas with flies, and mold in rooms. Tui has taken over a million holidaymakers to the archipelago since 2022. The legal team claims the company failed to ensure safe conditions, leading to severe illnesses. If unresolved, they anticipate a High Court ruling that could result in millions in damages for affected clients.
Hotel Response
RIU Hotels and Resorts, which operates the resort where Elena Walsh stayed, emphasized its commitment to health and safety. The company stated its Cape Verde properties adhere to international standards, certified by external consultants specializing in hygiene and care. Tui also confirmed it supports customers with medical care during their stays.
