Over 1,700 Brits Join Legal Action Against Tui Following Cape Verde Illnesses
Widespread Illnesses Reported on Cape Verde Holidays
Over 1,700 British individuals have now joined a significant legal action against Tui, alleging they suffered severe illnesses while on package holidays to the Cape Verde islands. Lawyers leading the personal injury claims, Irwin Mitchell, revealed they continue to receive reports of new cases, with some as recent as two weeks ago. This widespread issue has prompted UK health officials to issue warnings regarding travel to the West African archipelago.
Tragically, solicitors believe at least eight Britons have now died following holidays to Cape Verde in recent years. Reported illnesses include gastric infections such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and parasitic infections like cryptosporidium, affecting individuals as young as six months old.
Jatinder Paul from Irwin Mitchell described the scale of the case as unprecedented in his experience, highlighting Tui's responsibility to provide safe package holidays. He indicated that if an amicable resolution is not reached, they anticipate a High Court judge could order millions of pounds in damages.
Tui stated it is investigating the claims and is currently unable to comment further as it awaits access to the full, as-yet-unpublished Cape Verde health report. RIU Hotels and Resorts, a popular accommodation provider in the region, asserted that their hotels adhere to stringent international health and hygiene standards, certified by external consultants.
Previously, the UK Health Security Agency identified 112 reported cases of shigella and 43 of salmonella linked to Cape Verde travel since October 2025. This underscores the serious health concerns raised by holidaymakers. Lawyers also report gathering evidence of concerning conditions in some hotels, including footage of apparently undercooked food, buffets surrounded by flies, and mould in rooms.
Families like those of Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, and Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, who both tragically died after becoming ill during their Tui holidays in Cape Verde, are seeking answers and accountability. Their cases highlight the devastating impact these illnesses have had on British families.
