More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui
Over 1,700 UK Residents Join Legal Battle Against Tui Following Cape Verde Illnesses
Legal representatives informed the BBC that more than 1,700 individuals have filed claims against Tui, the travel company, after falling ill during holidays in Cape Verde. The cases include reports of severe health issues, with some clients experiencing complications leading to fatalities. Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, leading the personal injury litigation, noted that recent incidents have occurred as recently as two weeks ago.
Health Warnings and Ongoing Investigation
In February, UK health authorities issued alerts about potential risks for travelers visiting Cape Verde, citing outbreaks of stomach bugs. Tui is currently examining the claims but stated it cannot confirm details until it gains access to the full health report from Cape Verde, which remains unpublished. The company emphasized its commitment to supporting affected customers, ensuring they receive necessary care and aid during their stays.
Illnesses and Evidence Collected
The legal team has gathered evidence pointing to health concerns at certain resorts, including footage showing undercooked meals, flies around buffet areas, and mold in accommodations. Clients have reported contracting infections like E coli, salmonella, shigella, and parasitic conditions such as cryptosporidium. These illnesses can cause diarrhea, cramps, and fever, with some cases affecting infants as young as six months old.
Tragic Outcomes and Client Testimonies
Lawyers initially identified six deaths linked to Cape Verde holidays since 2023, but the number has since risen to eight. Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, fell ill during a Tui-arranged trip to the RIU Cabo Verde resort on August 8 last year. She was hospitalized and passed away two days later. Her son Sean Walsh described her 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, stating, “No family should go through this… by the following Friday, organise a funeral.”
Company Response and Health Standards
RIU Hotels and Resorts, which operates the Cape Verde resorts, highlighted its focus on guest safety, noting that its facilities adhere to international health and hygiene standards. A separate incident involved Karen Pooley from Lydney, who died in October after slipping on water near a fridge while seeking relief from gastric symptoms. She was flown to Tenerife, where sepsis and multi-organ failure led to her death. Her daughter Liz Pooley criticized Tui, saying, “No family should have to FaceTime their mum on a Friday night… and by the following Friday, organise a funeral.”
Expected Legal Outcome
Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell remarked that this case is among the largest he has encountered, lamenting the loss of life. He stated, “If we’re unable to resolve them amicably, we expect a judge in the High Court to make an order involving millions in damages.” The firm is pressing forward with all cases, arguing Tui had a duty to ensure holidays were free from illness.
