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Mass legal action against Tui over Cape Verde illnesses
More than 1,700 British holidaymakers have joined a lawsuit against travel firm Tui, alleging they fell ill during trips to Cape Verde, with lawyers confirming at least eight deaths linked to the destination in recent years.
Scope of the claims
Law firm Irwin Mitchell, representing the claimants, stated new cases are still emerging, with some travelers reporting illnesses as recently as two weeks ago. The firm described the scale of the legal action as unprecedented in its experience, citing severe gastrointestinal infections and parasitic diseases among those affected.
Reported illnesses include E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and cryptosporidium, with victims ranging from infants to elderly travelers. The UK Health Security Agency previously identified 112 cases of shigella and 43 of salmonella linked to Cape Verde since October 2025.
Allegations and evidence
Lawyers claim to have gathered footage showing hygiene concerns at some Cape Verde hotels, including undercooked food, buffet areas surrounded by flies, and mold in guest rooms. Tui, which has sent over one million travelers to the archipelago since 2022, stated it is investigating the claims but lacks access to the full unpublished health report for Cape Verde.
"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. 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."
Jatinder Paul, Irwin Mitchell solicitors
Paul added that if settlements cannot be reached amicably, the firm expects a High Court ruling that could result in millions of pounds in damages for claimants.
Personal tragedies
Among the fatalities is Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, who died in August 2025 after falling ill at the five-star RIU Cabo Verde resort. Her son, Sean Walsh, described her rapid deterioration and urged travelers to reconsider visiting the destination. "I just want people to not go there," he said. "Because, yes, people can go on holidays there and come back and be fine, but my mum didn't."
Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, died in October 2025 after developing gastric symptoms during a Tui-booked holiday. She slipped on water leaking from a fridge while ill, breaking her leg, and later died from sepsis and multi-organ failure after being airlifted to Tenerife. Her daughter, Liz Pooley, blamed Tui for her mother's death, stating, "No family should go through this."
Responses from Tui and RIU
Tui acknowledged providing support to ill customers but declined to comment further, citing ongoing investigations. RIU Hotels and Resorts, operator of the resort where Walsh stayed, stated that guest health and safety are its top priorities and that its Cape Verde properties adhere to strict international hygiene standards, certified by external consultants.
Health warnings and background
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony known for its beaches and warm climate, has faced scrutiny since UK health officials issued a travel warning in February 2026 following reports of stomach bugs. The archipelago remains a popular destination despite the ongoing legal and health concerns.
