Legal Action Grows Against Tui Over Illnesses in Cape Verde
More than 1,700 individuals have joined legal proceedings against travel company Tui after falling ill during holidays in the Cape Verde islands, according to lawyers representing the claimants.
Irwin Mitchell solicitors, who are leading the personal injury claims, report they have been contacted by people who became unwell in Cape Verde as recently as two weeks ago.
The legal team believes that at least eight British nationals have died following holidays in Cape Verde in recent years. In February, UK health authorities issued warnings to British travellers about visiting the West African archipelago due to reports of stomach illnesses.
Tui is currently investigating the allegations and stated it was "not in a position to provide a statement at this stage". The company added it "does not yet have access to the full Cape Verde health report, which remains unpublished."
Statements from Legal Representatives
Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell spoke to BBC Breakfast, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the case and the fatalities involved.
"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."
"If we're unable to resolve them amicably we expect a judge in the High Court to make an order which would involve payment of millions of pounds worth of damages to our clients."
Reported Illnesses and Investigations
Irwin Mitchell reported their clients contracted various gastric illnesses including E coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic infections such as cryptosporidium. The affected individuals include children as young as six months old.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency conducted an investigation revealing that since October 2025, there have been 112 reported cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella linked to travel to Cape Verde. Both shigella and salmonella are gastrointestinal infections that cause symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever.
Cape Verde as a Holiday Destination
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, is a popular holiday destination known for its golden beaches and warm climate year-round. Since 2022, Tui has transported over one million holidaymakers to the islands.
Lawyers have been collecting evidence of problems at certain hotels in Cape Verde. BBC footage shows what appears to be undercooked food, buffets surrounded by flies, and mould present in hotel rooms.
Previously, the legal team reported six British deaths linked to holidays in Cape Verde since January 2023, but now believe the number has risen to eight.
Case of Elena Walsh
Elena Walsh and her family from Birmingham booked a package holiday to Cape Verde through Tui last year. The 64-year-old was staying at the five-star RIU Cabo Verde resort when she began feeling unwell on 8 August 2027. She was hospitalised and died on 10 August.
Her son, Sean Walsh, described the rapid deterioration of his mother’s health.
"Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she'd pull out of it, but she just deteriorated,"
"I just want people to not go there. Because, yes people can go on holidays there and come back and be fine but my mum didn't.
If people are willing to run that risk, then go for it but I'd say to people: don't."
RIU Hotels and Resorts responded by stating that guest health and safety is their main priority and that their Cape Verde hotels adhere to the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external consultancy firms specialising in health and safety.
Case of Karen Pooley
Karen Pooley, from Lydney, died in October after falling ill during a two-week holiday in Cape Verde booked through Tui. She developed gastric symptoms on 11 October and the following day slipped on water leaking from a fridge while rushing to the bathroom, breaking her leg.
Pooley, aged 64, was airlifted from a clinic in Cape Verde to Tenerife on 16 October and died the next day from sepsis and multi-organ failure.
Her daughter, Liz Pooley, blamed Tui for her mother’s death.
"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."
Tui stated it provides support to customers who become unwell while in resort, ensuring they receive appropriate care and assistance.
