More than 1,700 Britons Affected by Cape Verde Illnesses Sue Tui

Lawyers representing over 1,700 British individuals who contracted illnesses during holidays in Cape Verde have informed the BBC that legal proceedings against travel company Tui are ongoing. These cases stem from health issues reported by travelers as recently as two weeks ago, with concerns raised about the safety of the destination. A recent update indicates at least eight Britons have succumbed to illnesses linked to their stays in the West African archipelago over the past few years.

Health Alert and Tui’s Response

In February, UK health authorities issued a caution about stomach infections associated with travel to Cape Verde. Tui, which has transported over a million tourists to the islands since 2022, is currently examining the claims. The company stated it cannot comment until it receives the full health report from Cape Verde, which remains unpublished.

Legal Claims and Evidence Gathering

Jatinder Paul, a solicitor from Irwin Mitchell, emphasized the scale of the cases during an interview on BBC Breakfast. “In my years of handling such cases, I’ve never seen a situation this severe,” he remarked. “Tui had a duty to ensure their clients’ holidays were safe, yet the opposite occurred.” The firm has collected evidence pointing to health concerns at several hotels, including footage of questionable food preparation, fly-infested buffets, and mold in accommodations.

Medical Conditions Linked to the Outbreak

Lawyers cited a variety of illnesses, such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic infections like cryptosporidium. These conditions can lead to severe symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. The UK Health Security Agency reported 112 shigella cases and 43 salmonella infections tied to Cape Verde travel since October 2025.

Tragic Cases and Family Impact

Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, fell ill at the RIU Cabo Verde resort in August last year. She was hospitalized and passed away days later. Her son Sean described the rapid decline: “We stayed with her through the night, hoping she’d recover, but she only worsened.” Similarly, Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, suffered gastric issues and a fall in October 2025, resulting in sepsis and multi-organ failure. Her daughter Liz criticized Tui, stating, “No family should endure this—FaceTiming a mum on Friday and arranging her funeral by the next.”

Tui’s Commitment to Customer Care

Tui maintains that it supports affected travelers, ensuring access to necessary medical care during their stays. However, critics argue that the company’s measures were insufficient to prevent the illnesses that have led to numerous claims and fatalities.

“Should negotiations fail, they anticipate a High Court ruling that could result in substantial compensation for our clients.” – Jatinder Paul, Irwin Mitchell solicitors

“I just want people to not go there… my mum didn’t.” – Sean Walsh, Elena’s son

“No family should go through this… organise a funeral.” – Liz Pooley, Karen’s daughter