Quick Read
- Hundreds of holidaymakers are suing TUI for £5 million over gastric illnesses in Cape Verde from 2022-2025.
- The lawsuit, primarily against Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel, is linked to at least six British fatalities since January 2023.
- Claimants allege improperly prepared food, unhygienic facilities, and pest infestations as causes.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning in October 2025, identifying 118 shigella and 43 salmonella cases linked to Cape Verde trips.
- A six-week High Court trial is scheduled for late 2027, with TUI denying liability.
LONDON (Azat TV) – A major legal battle is intensifying as hundreds of holidaymakers are suing travel giant TUI for over £5 million, alleging severe gastric illnesses contracted at five-star hotels in Cape Verde, including the Riu Palace Santa Maria, between 2022 and 2025. This significant group action, which has tragically been linked to at least six fatalities, is drawing renewed attention to hygiene standards across the West African archipelago, particularly amid broader scrutiny of health protocols in popular tourist destinations.
The High Court case, which recently held a pre-trial hearing, represents around 300 claimants specifically from the Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel, with lawyers Irwin Mitchell indicating that more than 1,500 tourists in total have reported falling ill after visiting various Cape Verde resorts since 2022. TUI is currently denying liability for the claims.
Allegations Against Cape Verde Hotel Hygiene
Claimants in the ongoing lawsuit attribute their severe gastric illnesses to a range of alleged hygiene failures at the all-inclusive Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel. These complaints include improperly prepared food and drink, unhygienic swimming facilities, and rooms reportedly infested with pests such as cockroaches. Additionally, holidaymakers cited the presence of numerous stray dogs and litter on the hotel’s private beach, further raising concerns about sanitation.
Many victims reported symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain either during their stay or shortly after returning home. Some required hospital treatment both abroad and in the UK, with diagnoses including E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and parasitic infections like cryptosporidium.
Tragic Fatalities and Long-Term Health Impacts
The group action has highlighted the severe and, in some cases, fatal consequences of these illnesses. Since January 2023, at least six Britons have died after contracting stomach bugs while holidaying in Cape Verde, with their families now pursuing personal injury claims.
Among the deceased is Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, who fell ill in January 2023 weeks after her holiday and later died. Other tragic cases include Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire, Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, and Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, all of whom succumbed to gastric-related complications or associated injuries after their trips in 2025 or earlier. A man in his 60s from Watford also died in November 2024.
Beyond the fatalities, many claimants continue to suffer from long-term health complications. Nicky Morley, a lead claimant who became ill just a day into her May 2022 stay at the Riu Palace Santa Maria, experienced ongoing gastric issues, including significant weight loss and anxiety. Lawyers for the holidaymakers have stated that some individuals are now battling chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory problems, and even one case of stroke, underscoring the debilitating nature of these infections.
The Road Ahead for the Cape Verde Lawsuit
The High Court proceedings, overseen by Master Gidden, will move forward with the consideration of 30 lead claimants. Decisions made in these representative cases are expected to influence the outcomes for the remaining claims. Barrister Stephen Cottrell, representing the holidaymakers, indicated that these lead claimants would provide detailed evidence regarding their experiences, including what they ate, drank, and the condition of the swimming facilities.
A six-week trial is scheduled to take place towards the end of next year, where TUI will defend against the allegations. Jatinder Paul, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, emphasized the severity of gastric illnesses, noting their potential to cause long-term health complications and, in some instances, prove fatal.
Broader Health Warnings for Cape Verde Travel
Adding to the concerns, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning regarding travel to Cape Verde in October 2025. Since that time, the agency has identified 118 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella linked to trips to the archipelago.
In response, the UKHSA has advised travellers to Cape Verde to adopt stringent hygiene practices. Recommendations include consuming only freshly prepared, fully cooked food served piping hot, using bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice in drinks, peeling all fruit themselves, and steering clear of salads that may not have been washed with clean water. These guidelines aim to mitigate the risk of contracting gastrointestinal infections while visiting the popular holiday destination.
The escalating legal action against a major tour operator, coupled with ongoing health advisories, underscores persistent challenges in maintaining robust hygiene standards within some popular international resorts. This situation highlights the critical need for travel companies and hoteliers to prioritize public health, as such outbreaks not only inflict severe personal suffering but also risk damaging the reputation of entire destinations.