TUI Confronts Multi-Million Pound Lawsuit Following Deadly Gastric Illness Outbreak
Travel giant TUI is facing a substantial group legal action seeking compensation exceeding £5 million from approximately 300 British holidaymakers. The claimants allege they contracted severe gastric illnesses while staying at the 5-star Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel in Cape Verde during 2022. Among those seeking damages is Michael Pressley, the widower of Jane Pressley, a 62-year-old mother-of-two from Gainsborough who died in January 2023, weeks after falling ill during her holiday.
Allegations of Unsanitary Conditions and Multiple Fatalities
Legal documents submitted to the High Court detail disturbing allegations regarding the hotel's hygiene standards. Claimants cite improperly prepared food and beverages, contaminated swimming pool water, unsanitary rooms infested with cockroaches, and numerous stray dogs littering the private beach with excrement. The group action, defended by TUI, forms part of broader claims handled by law firm Irwin Mitchell, following a significant surge in gastric problems among tourists visiting the Atlantic archipelago.
According to legal representatives, more than 1,500 tourists reported illnesses after booking holidays in Cape Verde, with six fatalities recorded. The claims encompass several hotels across the islands, but those involving the all-inclusive TUI-operated Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel have progressed first to court, following a preliminary hearing last week.
Detailed Accounts of Illness and Lasting Health Impacts
The resort, situated on Sal Island's beachfront and featuring a waterpark, six swimming pools, a spa, and multiple restaurants, allegedly witnessed infections escalating through summer 2022, peaking in October when 110 guests simultaneously fell ill. Claimants, who stayed on an all-inclusive basis, reported developing gastric symptoms either during their hotel stay or shortly after departure.
Lead claimant Nicky Morley from Paignton, Devon, described falling ill merely one day into her May 2022 holiday, suffering diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain requiring hospitalisation in Cape Verde. She has since endured persistent gastric issues, losing over four stone in weight and experiencing significant lifestyle limitations. "My whole life has been affected," Morley stated, highlighting anxiety about socialising and eating out due to ongoing bowel problems.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Health Warnings
During last week's hearing conducted via video link, Master Gidden ruled the case should proceed with 30 representative lead claimants, whose outcomes will determine the fate of all others. Barrister Stephen Cottrell noted these individuals would testify about food, drink, and swimming pool conditions, with three suffering chronic fatigue syndrome, others experiencing respiratory issues, and one claimant having suffered a stroke.
The judge scheduled a six-week trial for late next year. Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell emphasised the case's significance as the first group action reaching court, stating: "Those holidaymakers suffered serious and debilitating illnesses. The impact should never be downplayed—they can lead to long-term health complications and prove fatal." TUI continues to deny liability.
Concurrently, the UK Health Security Agency has issued travel advisories for Cape Verde, identifying 118 shigella and 43 salmonella cases linked to the archipelago since October 2025. Recommendations include consuming freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food, using bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice, peeling fruit personally, and steering clear of potentially unwashed salads.
