A major legal crisis is unfolding for the UK travel industry as more than 1,700 British holidaymakers have now joined a massive group legal action against the tour operator Tui.
The claims follow a series of devastating gastric illness outbreaks across the Cape Verde islands, which are now believed to be linked to at least eight British fatalities.
Lawyers representing the claimants, including families of the deceased, have described the scale of the litigation as “unprecedented.”
British travellers have reported contracting life-altering infections, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, after staying at five-star all-inclusive resorts.
With some holidaymakers falling ill as recently as April 2026, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and legal experts are sounding the alarm over persistent hygiene failures in the West African archipelago.
What Caused the Cape Verde Illness Outbreak?
The legal battle, spearheaded by law firm Irwin Mitchell, has grown from a few hundred cases to a staggering 1,700 individuals seeking damages.
The core of the allegation rests on “unacceptable” hygiene standards at several flagship properties, most notably the RIU Palace Santa Maria, RIU Cabo Verde, and RIU Karamboa.
Since 2022, Tui has transported over one million British tourists to Cape Verde, marketed as a year-round “winter sun” haven. However, for thousands, the dream holiday turned into a medical emergency.
Key allegations from legal documents include:
- Contaminated Food Chains: Reports of underbaked poultry, lukewarm buffet food, and dishes swarmed with flies.
- Environmental Failures: Evidence of cockroaches in dining areas and “rotten” smells in guest rooms.
- Water Safety: Most alarmingly, Cape Verdean authorities recently confirmed the presence of Shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh food on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
- Severe Medical Outcomes: Beyond standard “stomach bugs,” victims have suffered from sepsis, multi-organ failure, and long-term conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Where Are the Affected UK Travel Hubs and Regions?
The outbreaks are concentrated on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, but the fallout is felt across the United Kingdom.
Returning travellers have brought these severe infections back to major UK population centres, placing additional pressure on NHS GP services and infectious disease wards.
Claimants are based nationwide, with significant clusters in Birmingham, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, County Durham, and Hertfordshire. Many victims were rushed into UK hospitals immediately upon landing at major hubs, including:
- London Gatwick Airport
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- London Luton Airport
Who Are the Victims and What Do Official Sources Say?
The scale of the situation has prompted intervention from high-level UK health and legal authorities.
Tragic Human Impact
Among the eight fatalities now linked to the destination are:
- Elena Walsh (64), Birmingham: Died in August 2025 after falling ill at the RIU Cabo Verde. Her family is calling for a total boycott of the destination.
- Karen Pooley (64), Lydney: Passed away from sepsis and multi-organ failure in October 2025.
- Mark Ashley (55), Bedfordshire: A father-of-two who died in November 2025 after returning from a Tui-booked holiday.
- Unnamed Father (50s), County Durham: The most recent confirmed fatality, who suffered 12 weeks of symptoms before dying of multi-organ failure in late 2025.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
The UKHSA issued a formal travel warning in February 2026 after identifying that 95% of confirmed Shigella sonnei cases in UK travellers were linked specifically to Cape Verde.
“We have identified increases in Salmonella and Shigella associated with travel to Cape Verde. It is vital that travellers follow strict hygiene precautions”, Dr Gauri Godbole, UKHSA Deputy Director.
How Does This Affect UK Commuters and Future Travellers?
For the British public, the impact extends beyond health. The ongoing crisis has led to:
- Travel Insurance Surges: Insurance premiums for trips to West Africa are expected to rise as risk assessments are updated.
- Public Service Strain: Returning holidaymakers with highly contagious Shigella (which requires strict isolation) have impacted local healthcare settings and workplaces across the UK.
- Economic Impact on Families: Many claimants, like author Nicky Morley, report being unable to return to work for months due to chronic bowel issues, leading to significant financial loss.
What Happens Next in the Tui High Court Trial?
The legal proceedings are moving toward a landmark confrontation in the High Court in London.
- Trial Schedule: A major six-week trial is currently slated for late 2027 to determine liability for the initial group of claimants.
- Lead Cases: Judge Master Mark Gidden has ordered that 30 lead cases will be used to set the tone for the remaining 1,700 claims.
- Potential Damages: Experts estimate that if Tui is found liable, the total payout could exceed £5 million to £10 million, considering the fatalities and life-changing disability claims.
- Tui’s Defense: Tui continues to “vigorously defend” the claims, denying liability and stating they support customers who become unwell.
Which Infections Are Being Linked to Cape Verde?
Understanding the pathogens involved is crucial for returning UK travellers.
| Infection | Symptoms in UK Patients | Long-term Risks |
| Shigella Sonnei | Severe bloody diarrhoea, fever, cramps | Reactive arthritis, HUS (Kidney failure) |
| Salmonella | Vomiting, high fever, abdominal pain | Sepsis, chronic gut issues |
| E. coli | Intense stomach cramping, nausea | Permanent kidney damage |
| Cryptosporidium | Watery diarrhoea, dehydration | Weight loss, persistent fatigue |
