A seventh British tourist has died following a severe gastric illness contracted during a holiday in Cape Verde. The man, in his 50s, passed away on 2 November 2025 after a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria hotel on the island of Sal. He is the seventh British national to die in the country since January 2023 after falling critically ill.
The latest victim, who had a pre-existing immunosuppressed condition, fell ill just two days into his £6,000 all-inclusive holiday booked through TUI. He experienced diarrhoea, severe abdominal cramps, and vomiting, which persisted for 12 weeks after his return home. He was hospitalised in October 2025 and later died of multi-organ failure.
His wife, who has requested anonymity, said: 'We'd been to the resort the year before and enjoyed it so much we booked again. However, as soon as we arrived the second time, we couldn't believe how much it appeared to have changed. We didn't expect the poor standards we experienced, especially for the money we paid.'
Specialist solicitors Irwin Mitchell are representing the family, along with relatives of seven other holidaymakers. The firm has been instructed by more than 1,700 British tourists who have fallen ill in Cape Verde since 2022. Previous deaths include Jane Pressley, 62, Mark Ashley, 55, and Karen Pooley, 64, all of whom stayed at Riu resorts on Sal.
Cape Verde authorities have confirmed the detection of shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh produce on Sal and Boa Vista. An investigation examined 156 samples from water, food, surfaces, and medical specimens. Bacteria was found in irrigation water, but officials stated positive samples remained within surveillance parameters and did not constitute an outbreak.
