Over 2,000 Sue TUI After Mass Sickness on Cape Verde Holidays—Lawyers Threaten Trial

Here is your publish-ready article for the World category: —

Nearly 2,000 British holidaymakers who fell ill during trips to Cape Verde, a West African archipelago, have joined a legal action against TUI, the world’s largest travel company. Lawyers representing the claimants say at least eight deaths have been linked to severe gastric illnesses, including salmonella, shigella and E. Coli, with many victims still suffering long-term health effects.

The legal action, led by Irwin Mitchell, is set to proceed to the High Court after TUI denied liability in all cases. Lawyers have urged the company to negotiate an out-of-court settlement, warning that if talks fail, they will pursue damages potentially worth millions of pounds.

At least eight deaths linked to Cape Verde holidays

Among those who have died are Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire, and Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham. Walsh’s son, Sean, told BBC Breakfast that his mother became severely ill just two days into her holiday at the five-star RIU Cabo Verde resort in August 2025. She was hospitalized and died two days later.

Pooley was airlifted to Tenerife for urgent care after falling ill at the Riu Funana resort in Sal, where she died from multi-organ failure, sepsis, and cardio-respiratory arrest. Ashley, a forklift truck driver, developed severe gastric symptoms three days into his stay at the Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in November 2025 and died shortly after returning home.

Irwin Mitchell alleges that the illnesses may be linked to poor hygiene standards and food safety failings at the affected hotels. The law firm has gathered evidence of undercooked food, buffets surrounded by flies, and mold in rooms, according to footage seen by the BBC.

Lawyers warn of ongoing health risks

Jatinder Paul, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said in a statement to the Mirror: TUI have denied liability in all of these cases. So, we are having to litigate these cases in the High Court. We would encourage, in fact, I would go as far as saying I would implore TUI to come to the table and work with us to resolve these cases amicably. If negotiations fail, he added, we will fight these cases all the way through a trial and seek an order from a judge.

Paul also told BBC Breakfast that the scale of the legal action is unprecedented in his career, with victims as young as six months old affected. He described the cases as human stories of how lives have been turned upside down. Some holidaymakers returned home with empty seats, as their loved ones succumbed to illness.

Alisha Hussain, 21, from Rotherham, was left vomiting blood just three days into her £900-per-person holiday in July 2025. She and her friend were among hundreds who reported severe symptoms after eating at the same resorts.

TUI and hotel operators respond

In a statement, TUI said it was deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extended its sincere condolences to the affected families. The company emphasized that customer health and safety remain its highest priority and that it has established procedures to support any customer who becomes unwell while on holiday, including access to appropriate medical care.

TUI also noted that it does not yet have access to the full Cape Verde health report, which remains unpublished. The company continues to follow advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities.

RIU Hotels & Resorts, which operates several properties in Cape Verde, stated that the health and safety of its guests are its main priority. The company said it follows the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external consultancy firms specializing in health, and safety.

UK health warnings and ongoing investigations

In February 2026, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a travel warning for Cape Verde, citing an increase in reports of shigella sonnei and salmonella infections. Since October 2025, there have been 112 reported cases of shigella and 43 of salmonella linked to travel to the archipelago, according to UKHSA data.

Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, is a popular holiday destination due to its golden beaches and year-round warm weather. Since 2022, TUI has taken more than one million holidaymakers to the islands annually.

For those affected by the illnesses, Irwin Mitchell has offered ongoing support and treatment. The law firm continues to gather evidence and pursue justice for the victims and their families.

If you or a loved one have been affected by this issue, Irwin Mitchell can be contacted for legal advice and support.

—