Story Highlight
– Four British tourists died from gastric illnesses in Cape Verde.
– Law firm investigates deaths and represents over 1,500 victims.
– Families of victims claim TUI over poor hygiene standards.
– Other Britons hospitalized with severe illnesses at Cape Verde resorts.
– UK warns about potential Shigella infections in travelers.
Full Story
Four British nationals have tragically lost their lives in the span of four months after contracting severe gastric illnesses while vacationing in Cape Verde, as reported by the legal firm representing their bereaved families. The deceased include Elena Walsh, age 64, from Birmingham; Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire; Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucester; and a 56-year-old male, all of whom suffered from critical stomach ailments during their stays on the island last year. In addition to these cases, the law firm Irwin Mitchell is also looking into the recent deaths of two other British tourists in the same region since January 2023.
The law firm has revealed it is currently representing over 1,500 individuals who experienced illnesses after their trips to the West African destination. Notably, all affected individuals had arranged their holiday packages through the travel operator TUI.
Mark Ashley’s wife, Emma, 55, expressed her disbelief regarding her husband’s untimely demise, stating, “We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered.” Emma recounted that her husband, a self-employed forklift truck driver, began exhibiting severe symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, and fever, just three days into their vacation in October. Their family had booked an all-inclusive stay costing over £3,000 at the luxurious Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal.
Emma Ashley reported her husband’s illness using TUI’s app shortly after noticing the alarming symptoms, and she raised concerns regarding the hotel’s hygiene standards. Unfortunately, upon returning to the UK, Mr Ashley’s health continued to deteriorate. Following a collapse at their home in Houghton Regis, he was admitted to the hospital on November 12, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The circumstances surrounding his passing have been referred to the coroner’s office, and investigations are currently underway.
In a similar vein, Elena Walsh, a part-time nurse and mother, passed away in August 2025 while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort. Details regarding her illness and subsequent death have yet to be made public.
Karen Pooley, from Lydney, was another tourist who succumbed to severe gastric illness shortly after arriving in Cape Verde. She had travelled with a friend to the Riu Funana resort on October 7, with a holiday package costing £3,000 booked through TUI. Four days into their trip, Ms Pooley developed gastric symptoms and, while navigating a leaking fridge in the early hours of October 12, she slipped and fractured her femur.
Following that incident, she was taken to a local clinic where her condition worsened over the next few days. After enduring ongoing symptoms and complications, she was airlifted to Tenerife for emergency medical attention on October 16, but sadly passed away early the next morning. Her husband, Andy, has voiced profound sorrow, stating, “We’re utterly heartbroken… she was the kindest, loveliest person.” He described Karen as a dedicated wife and mother who was deeply involved in her community.
Furthermore, Irwin Mitchell noted that the initial death certificate issued by Cape Verde authorities attributed her death to multi-organ failure, sepsis, and complications related to her injuries.
The investigation, which extends to two additional fatalities—a 62-year-old woman from Gainsborough, who died in January 2023, and another man in his 60s from Watford in November 2024—has prompted grieving families to file personal injury claims against TUI. These claims are rooted in concerns surrounding sanitation and hygiene standards at the establishments where their loved ones fell ill.
While TUI has not yet provided an official comment in response to queries from ITV News, it is significant that a group lawsuit comprising 300 individuals alleging illnesses tied to their stays at the Riu Palace Santa Maria in the summer of 2022 is scheduled for a hearing at the High Court in London on February 4, 2024. Those suing indicate they suffered from various bacterial infections, such as E.coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, either during or following their travels.
Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, remarked, “The number of holidaymakers to Cape Verde being struck down with serious and debilitating gastric illnesses is truly staggering.” He further noted, “It’s almost incomprehensible that holidaymakers continue to describe the hygiene issues at these Cape Verde hotels year after year, with each case representing a deeply personal story.”
In light of these developments, the UK Foreign Office has issued warnings related to potential infections, particularly Shigella sonnei, which poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. It is currently the subject of an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency to assess any spikes in related cases.
Shigella infections typically result in severe gastrointestinal distress, and while the majority of individuals recover within a week, those with pre-existing health challenges may face severe complications. This bacterium is transmissible through contaminated feces, often spreading through direct contact or tainted food and water.
As investigations continue and affected families seek justice, the spotlight remains on the health and safety standards at resorts in Cape Verde. Holidaymakers are urged to remain vigilant about hygiene practices during their travels.
Our Thoughts
To prevent the tragic incidents reported, several actions could have been taken by TUI and the resorts involved to enhance guest safety and hygiene standards. The recurring reports of foodborne illnesses indicate a possible breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates that employers ensure the health and safety of their employees and others affected by their work.
Essential preventive measures could have included:
1. **Regular Hygiene Audits**: Conduct thorough and frequent audits of the hotel’s food preparation areas, dining facilities, and overall cleanliness to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations.
2. **Staff Training**: Implement comprehensive training for kitchen and cleaning staff on food safety protocols to mitigate the risk of contamination.
3. **Guest Reporting Mechanisms**: Enhance communication channels for guests to report health issues promptly, ensuring that immediate action is taken to investigate and remediate potential sources of illness.
4. **Risk Assessment**: Carry out risk assessments as per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to identify and mitigate health and safety risks associated with guest accommodation and services.
5. **Collaboration with Health Authorities**: Work closely with local health authorities to monitor and control any outbreaks efficiently.
By implementing these steps, similar incidents could potentially be avoided, prioritizing the health and safety of holidaymakers.
