More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 UK Residents Affected by Cape Verde Illnesses Sue Tui
Legal proceedings against Tui have expanded as more than 1,700 British individuals report falling ill during holidays in the Cape Verde archipelago. Irwin Mitchell, representing the personal injury claim, stated that cases have been reported as recently as two weeks ago. The firm suspects at least eight Britons have died following trips to the islands in recent years.
Tui’s Investigation and Health Reports
Tui is currently examining the claims but has yet to release a formal statement. A spokesperson noted that the full Cape Verde health report, still unpublished, is not accessible at this time. The UK Health Security Agency’s February findings highlighted 112 shigella cases and 43 salmonella infections linked to travel to the region since October 2025.
“Over my career, I’ve never encountered a case of this scale,” said Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell. “Unfortunately, so many have suffered fatal outcomes due to these illnesses.” He emphasized Tui’s duty to ensure holidays were safe, adding, “If we can’t resolve this amicably, a High Court judge may order millions in damages.”
Illnesses Linked to Cape Verde Trips
Lawyers have documented clients contracting bacterial infections like E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic conditions such as cryptosporidium. The affected group includes infants as young as six months. Videos shared with the BBC show evidence of undercooked food, fly-infested buffets, and mold in hotel rooms.
Personal Accounts of Loss
Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, passed away on 10 August after falling ill during a Tui-organized holiday at the RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son Sean described her rapid decline: “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull through, but she just deteriorated.” He urged others to “not go there” unless prepared for risk.
“No family should go through this,” said Liz Pooley, Karen’s daughter. “No family should have to FaceTime their mum on a Friday night, and by the following Friday, organise a funeral.” Karen Pooley, 64, died from sepsis and multi-organ failure after slipping on water in her room during a two-week Tui trip in October.
Cape Verde’s Appeal and Tui’s Safety Claims
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, remains a favored destination for its beaches and consistent warm climate. Since 2022, Tui has welcomed over a million visitors to the islands. The hotel chain defended its standards, stating, “Our Cape Verde hotels adhere to the strictest international health and hygiene protocols, verified by external consultancy firms.”
Irwin Mitchell continues to collect evidence of hygiene issues at some resorts, linking them to the illnesses. The firm’s efforts aim to hold Tui accountable for its role in the health crises affecting British travelers.
