More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 British Individuals Join Lawsuits Against Tui Over Cape Verde Illnesses
Legal representatives from Irwin Mitchell have confirmed that more than 1,700 people have added their names to a lawsuit targeting Tui, a travel firm, after falling ill during holidays in Cape Verde. The claims include cases reported as recently as two weeks ago, with some individuals suffering severe health complications. Lawyers involved in the personal injury case suggest at least eight Britons have died since the start of 2023 due to illnesses linked to their stays in the West African archipelago.
In February, UK health officials issued a warning about potential risks associated with travel to Cape Verde, citing outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections. Tui has yet to issue a formal statement, stating it lacks access to the complete health report from the country, which remains unpublished. Jatinder Paul, a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell, highlighted the scale of the case during a BBC Breakfast appearance: “In all my years of doing this work, I have not seen a case this large. Unfortunately, so many have died as a result of these illnesses.”
“We are pursuing all of our cases against Tui. They had a responsibility in taking our clients away on a package holiday which was not going to cause them any illness. Unfortunately, it was the opposite of that,” Paul said.
Irwin Mitchell’s clients have reported contracting a range of gastric issues, including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic infections like cryptosporidium. The affected individuals span all age groups, with children as young as six months included in the cases. According to the UK Health Security Agency, since October 2025, there have been 112 reported shigella cases and 43 salmonella infections linked to Cape Verde trips, though the data is still under review.
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, attracts millions of tourists annually due to its beaches and consistent warm climate. Since 2022, Tui has transported over one million holidaymakers to the region. Lawyers have gathered evidence pointing to hygiene concerns in some resorts, such as undercooked meals, fly-infested buffets, and mold in accommodations.
Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, was one of the victims. She fell ill while staying at the RIU Cabo Verde resort on 8 August 2024 and passed away on 10 August. Her son, Sean Walsh, described the rapid decline: “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated.” He urged others to avoid the destination: “If people are willing to run that risk, go for it, but I’d say to people: don’t.”
“No family should go through this. No family should have to FaceTime their mum on a Friday night, and by the following Friday, organise a funeral,” said Liz Pooley, Karen Pooley’s daughter, after her mother died in October 2024.
Karen Pooley, 64, contracted gastric symptoms during a two-week trip to Cape Verde and later slipped on water from a fridge, breaking her leg. She was airlifted to Tenerife, where she succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure. RIU Hotels and Resorts emphasized their commitment to safety: “Our hotels in Cape Verde follow the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external consultancy firms specialising in health and safety.”
Tui claims it supports customers who fall ill, ensuring they receive proper care and assistance during their stays. However, the ongoing legal challenges have raised questions about the company’s role in the health incidents reported by its clients.