TUI Breaks Silence on Cape Verde Sickness Outbreak as Legal Action Mounts
Holiday giant TUI has issued a formal statement expressing condolences following a devastating sickness outbreak in Cape Verde that has led to more than 1,700 British tourists joining legal proceedings. A prominent law firm involved in the case believes eight Britons have died as a direct result of the illnesses contracted at resorts on the West African islands.
Unprecedented Scale of Legal Claims
Jatinder Paul, an expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, described the case as unprecedented in both scale and severity. "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. The law firm is pursuing all cases against TUI, arguing the company had a responsibility to provide package holidays that would not cause illness.
Mr. Paul told BBC Breakfast that if claims cannot be resolved amicably, they expect a High Court judge to order TUI to pay millions of pounds in damages to affected clients. The legal action encompasses tourists who fell ill during stays at various Cape Verde resorts, with particular focus on properties operated by Spanish hospitality chain Riu.
TUI's Official Response and Safety Protocols
A TUI spokesperson responded to the growing crisis: "We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected. While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety is always our highest priority."
The company emphasized its established procedures for supporting unwell customers, including access to appropriate medical care and assistance in resort. However, TUI noted that their ability to provide support is limited when illnesses are not reported to their teams while customers are still at their destinations.
"We continue to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate," the spokesperson added, referencing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance.
Victims' Harrowing Experiences Detailed
Among the claimants is 21-year-old Alisha Hussain from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who suffered severe symptoms during her £900-per-person holiday at the five-star Riu Karamboa resort. "I became the most unwell I've ever been in my life," she reported, describing vomiting blood and suffering seizures that required emergency hospitalization.
Mark Watts, 55, and his wife Tracy, 56, have also appointed solicitors after their wedding anniversary holiday last July descended into chaos. Medically retired Tracy, who has Type 1 diabetes, suffered uncontrollable blood sugar levels alongside diarrhoea, vomiting, shivering and breathlessness requiring urgent medical attention.
The couple reported witnessing concerning hygiene practices at resort restaurants, including chefs handling raw meat without gloves and flies and birds "everywhere" in dining areas.
Range of Serious Illnesses Contracted
Solicitors representing the claimants say holidaymakers – including a six-month-old baby – contracted a range of serious gastric illnesses during their stays. These include:
- Bacterial infections: E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella
- Parasitic infections: Cryptosporidium
- Symptoms: Severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever
Cape Verde has experienced two outbreaks of the highly contagious bacterial infection shigella in recent years, adding context to the current health crisis. Video footage has allegedly captured concerning conditions at resorts, including raw food left exposed, buffets overrun by flies, and mould found within accommodation.
Fatalities Linked to Resort Stays
The law firm believes eight British tourists have died after visiting Cape Verde resorts. Among those identified are Karen Pooley, 64, Mark Ashley, 55, and David Smith, 54, whose identities have been altered for privacy. All three had been staying at Riu hotels when they first fell ill and subsequently died from medical complications including gastroenteritis, broken bones, and heart failure.
Relatives of two men who died after suffering gastric illness while staying at resorts in 2024 and 2025 have also joined the legal action, highlighting the ongoing nature of the health concerns at Cape Verde tourist destinations.
The case represents one of the largest collective legal actions against a British holiday company in recent history, with implications for travel industry safety standards and consumer protection regulations.
