More than 1,700 holidaymakers are now part of a major legal action against travel giant Tui after reporting severe illnesses following stays at hotels in Cape Verde. High court proceedings have been initiated to investigate numerous cases of sickness occurring between 2022 and 2025, including at least eight tragic fatalities, according to law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Details of the Illnesses and Fatalities
Lawyers allege that clients, including children as young as six months old, suffered from severe gastric illnesses such as salmonella and shigella while on holiday or after returning to the UK. One victim, Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, died after being airlifted to Tenerife for urgent care just days into a Tui-operated holiday at the Riu Funana resort in Sal. Cape Verde authorities stated her cause of death was multi-organ failure, sepsis, and cardio-respiratory arrest.
Another case involved Mark Ashley, 55, a self-employed forklift truck driver, who passed away upon returning to the UK after a two-week stay at the Riu Palace Santa Maria resort. He developed severe gastric symptoms three days into his holiday and later collapsed at home in November 2025. His wife, Emma, criticised the hotel's hygiene standards, noting that food was often lukewarm and appeared recycled, sanitisation was poor, and drinking water was stored in large crates left in the sun.
Allegations and Official Warnings
Irwin Mitchell has suggested that the illnesses may be linked to poor hygiene standards and food safety failures at the hotels. In February, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) issued a warning, advising travellers with underlying health conditions to consult a healthcare professional before visiting Cape Verde due to an increase in reports of shigella sonnei and salmonella infections.
The affected guests stayed at various hotels, including five Riu Hotels properties, Melia Dunas, Suneo Dunas, and Tui Blue Cabo Verde. Tui has reported that over one million holidaymakers have visited Cape Verde with the company since 2022.
Legal and Human Impact
Jatinder Paul, the lawyer representing the holidaymakers, emphasised the ongoing suffering of clients, many of whom continue to experience debilitating symptoms. He stated, "While it's too late for those we represent in terms of their holiday being ruined by such illness, we're determined to provide them with the answers they deserve and, where appropriate, access to ongoing support and treatment they may require." Paul added that it is "almost incomprehensible" that hygiene issues at these hotels persist year after year, highlighting that each case represents a human story of lives turned upside down.
A Tui spokesperson expressed deep sadness over the tragic losses and extended condolences to the affected families. The spokesperson noted that while they cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety are their highest priority, with established procedures in place to support unwell customers, including access to medical care. Tui continues to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and authorities as needed.
The Independent has reached out to Riu Hotels for comment on the allegations.
