Seventh British Tourist Dies in Cape Verde Gastric Illness Tragedy
A seventh British tourist has tragically died after contracting a severe gastric illness during a holiday in Cape Verde, with his heartbroken wife revealing he suffered debilitating symptoms for twelve weeks before succumbing to multi-organ failure. The man, in his 50s, passed away in November 2025 following a week-long all-inclusive stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on Sal Island.
This latest fatality marks the seventh British death linked to gastric illness in Cape Verde since January 2023, raising serious concerns about hygiene standards and tourist safety at popular resorts. The victim's wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how their family holiday, costing over £6,000 and booked through TUI, turned into a nightmare when her husband fell ill just two days into their August 2025 trip.
Twelve Weeks of Suffering Before Tragic Death
The man, a father-of-two and stepfather-of-two who was already immunosuppressed, experienced severe symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting that persisted throughout the holiday and continued after returning home to County Durham. His condition rapidly deteriorated in October 2025, leading to hospital admission and eventual death on November 2nd.
"We'd been to the resort the year before to celebrate my husband's retirement and enjoyed it so much we booked again to return," said his wife, who is in her 40s. "However, as soon as we arrived the second time, we couldn't believe how much it appeared to have changed from our previous holiday. We didn't expect the poor standards we experienced, especially for the money we paid."
Growing Pattern of Illness and Death
This tragedy follows several similar cases involving British tourists in Cape Verde. Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, and Mark Ashley, 55, from Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, died in January 2023 and November 2025 respectively after both staying at the Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria. Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, died in October 2025 after falling ill and suffering a broken leg while staying at the Riu Funana resort in Sal.
Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now supporting the latest victim's family alongside the loved ones of other affected holidaymakers. The legal firm has been instructed by more than 1,700 UK tourists who have fallen ill in Cape Verde since 2022, indicating a widespread problem affecting hundreds of British travellers.
Shigella Bacteria Found in Irrigation Water
The Cape Verde authorities have confirmed cases of illness and detected the presence of shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh food on both Sal and Boa Vista islands. A public health investigation analysed 156 samples from various sources including drinking water, fresh food, food-handling surfaces, and medical samples.
While officials acknowledged some tourists may have been infected, they stated that positive samples fell within surveillance parameters and did not constitute an official illness outbreak. Following the identification of bacteria, authorities issued recommendations to businesses including strengthening disinfection processes for fresh produce throughout production, import, and distribution chains.
Legal Action and Safety Warnings
Jatinder Paul, expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell leading the legal team, expressed grave concern about the situation. "We continue to be contacted by hundreds more people reporting all too familiar and worrying first-hand accounts of how their holidays have been ruined by serious illness," he said.
"Shigella is highly contagious. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water is one of the most common ways of transmitting the infection, and only a small number of bacteria is required to cause infection. The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death."
Paul urged those planning to travel to Cape Verde to take precautions including eating fully cooked, steaming hot meals, selecting fruits they can peel themselves, and avoiding raw vegetables and salads. He also warned affected holidaymakers against accepting early settlement offers from tour operators without understanding their full legal rights.
Additional Fatal Cases Under Investigation
Irwin Mitchell is also representing the families of two additional men in their 60s and 50s who died after suffering gastric illness while staying at the Riu Karamboa in Boa Vista in November 2024 and November 2025 respectively. Part-time nurse and mother-of-one Eleana Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, also died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort in Sal.
The grieving wife of the latest victim concluded with a heartfelt plea: "I'd do anything to turn the clock back, but I know nothing can undo what's happened and how our family will never be the same again. However, I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer the same experience. People need to be aware of the issues hundreds of holidaymakers to Cape Verde are facing."
