More than 1,700 Britons join legal battle against Tui over Cape Verde illnesses

Legal proceedings against travel firm Tui have expanded, with over 1,700 British citizens now involved after falling ill during holidays in Cape Verde. The cases, led by Irwin Mitchell solicitors, include reports of sickness as recent as two weeks ago. Lawyers claim at least eight individuals have died following trips to the West African archipelago in recent years.

UK health officials issued a warning in February, citing concerns about stomach bugs linked to travel in Cape Verde. Tui has not yet released a statement, stating it lacks access to the full health report, which remains unpublished. “This is the largest case I’ve encountered in my career,” said Jatinder Paul, a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell. “Tui had a duty to ensure holidays wouldn’t lead to illness, but the opposite has happened.”

Paul emphasized that if settlements cannot be reached, a High Court judge may order millions in damages. Clients have reported infections such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, alongside parasitic diseases like cryptosporidium. The affected include infants as young as six months, according to the firm.

Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, attracts millions due to its beaches and warm climate. Since 2022, Tui has transported over a million tourists to the islands. Legal teams have gathered evidence of hygiene issues at certain hotels, including footage of undercooked food and rooms with visible mold.

“We’re pursuing every case, and the risk of illness was preventable,” Paul added.

Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, died on 10 August after becoming unwell during a Tui-organized trip to the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son Sean described how she rapidly worsened, despite efforts to stabilize her. “My mum didn’t recover,” he said. “I’d advise others to avoid the risk.”

Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, died in October following a two-week holiday booked through Tui. She slipped while running to the bathroom, sustaining a leg injury. She was flown to Tenerife but succumbed to sepsis and organ failure. Her daughter Liz called the incident “a tragedy no family should endure.”

RIU Hotels and Resorts asserted that its Cape Verde properties adhere to international health standards. Tui reiterated its commitment to supporting customers who fall ill, providing care and assistance during their stays.