A man has expressed his sorrow over a tragic outcome during a planned vacation to Cape Verde, revealing that his wife never returned home after falling ill with a stomach bug.
Karen Pooley, aged 64, embarked on a two-week trip to the West African archipelago last October, arranged through TUI at a cost of £3,000. Unfortunately, Karen developed gastric symptoms only four days into the holiday and had a mishap slipping on water from a leaking fridge the next day.
Following her deteriorating condition, Karen was airlifted to Tenerife for urgent medical attention on October 16. Tragically, she passed away the following day, as stated by her legal representatives.
Her husband, Andy, recounted feeling helpless and distressed as they sought updates on Karen’s condition while she worsened. He expressed devastation over the fact that she never returned from what was supposed to be a holiday.
Official reports from Cape Verde indicated that Karen’s cause of death was attributed to organ failure, sepsis, cardio-respiratory arrest, and a broken leg, as disclosed by her lawyer. This incident aligns with other cases where individuals claim their loved ones were affected by similar illnesses.
Subsequently, families affected by similar tragedies have initiated legal actions against TUI, as four British tourists who contracted the illness passed away within a short span. A lawyer from Irwin Mitchell specializing in serious injuries, Jatinder Paul, emphasized the concerning pattern of illnesses among holidaymakers in Cape Verde, stressing the urgent need to address hygiene standards.
The legal firm urged tour operators to collaborate with local authorities to ensure strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson from TUI stated that investigations are ongoing and highlighted the company’s commitment to providing appropriate care and support for any guests falling ill while on vacation. The Mirror has reached out to TUI for further comments.
