Seven British Tourists Die from Stomach Bugs at Cape Verde Luxury Hotels
British tourists have tragically lost their lives after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on expensive package holidays in Cape Verde. Since January 2023, seven Britons have died, with the latest victim being a man in his 50s who fell ill at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal.
Victims and Their Stories
The deaths include Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, who died in January 2023, and Mark Ashley, 55, from Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, who passed away in November 2025. Both had stayed at the lavish Riu Palace Santa Maria. Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, died in October 2025 after falling ill and suffering a broken leg at the same resort. Elena Walsh, a part-time nurse and mother of one, died in August 2025 while staying at Riu Cabo Verde.
Families have reported that their loved ones experienced symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, these illnesses led to multi-organ failure and death. The victims had booked holidays through leading travel operator TUI, with costs ranging from £3,000 to over £6,000.
Hygiene Concerns and Legal Action
Grave concerns have been raised about hygiene standards at these all-inclusive resorts. Reports include undercooked food, poor sanitation, water storage exposed to the sun, and incidents like Karen Pooley slipping on water from a leaking fridge, which resulted in a fractured femur. Legal firm Irwin Mitchell is now representing more than 1,500 holidaymakers who reported serious illnesses after visiting Cape Verde.
Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, stated, "The number of holidaymakers to Cape Verde being struck down with serious and debilitating gastric illnesses is truly staggering. Nothing brings the gravity of this situation into sharper focus than these recent deaths." Relatives are pursuing personal injury claims against TUI, alleging negligence in ensuring safety standards.
Family Testimonies
The wife of the latest victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how her husband fell ill two days into their £6,000 holiday. His symptoms persisted for 12 weeks before he died from multi-organ failure in November 2025. She said, "We didn't expect the poor standards we experienced, especially for the money we paid. My husband was my soulmate and an absolutely wonderful, loving and caring dad."
Mark Ashley's wife, Emma, shared that her husband became violently ill three days into their trip. After returning home, his symptoms continued, and he collapsed and died in November 2025. She added, "We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered."
Elena Walsh's husband, Patrick, highlighted issues with food being served lukewarm and undercooked, and chaotic medical care. He said, "Elena was the heart and soul of our family. We're absolutely devastated by her death."
Hotel Responses
A spokesperson for RIU Hotels and Resorts stated, "At RIU Hotels and Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is always our main priority. We operate with the highest standards of professionalism and service, placing hygienic-sanitary safety as our top priority." TUI has been approached for comment but has not yet responded publicly.
As investigations continue, families are seeking answers to prevent further tragedies. The scale of illness outbreaks at these resorts has raised urgent calls for improved hygiene and safety measures in Cape Verde's tourism industry.
