Six British tourists have tragically passed away in Cape Verde due to a severe stomach illness, with four deaths occurring within the last four months. The victims include Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire, Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, and an unnamed 56-year-old man. These fatalities occurred between August and November 2025 after contracting severe gastric illnesses.
Following these incidents, legal firm Irwin Mitchell is representing over 1,500 other vacationers who fell seriously ill after visiting the islands off the West African coast. Many affected individuals had been guests at popular all-inclusive resorts in Sal, particularly those managed by Riu Hotels and booked through TUI. Concerns have been raised regarding hygiene standards, with reports of improperly prepared food, inadequate sanitation, and water storage issues, including an incident where a victim slipped on water from a leaking fridge and sustained a femur fracture.
Emma, the wife of the late Mark, expressed shock over his sudden demise, stating that they had anticipated a relaxing vacation in Cape Verde but instead faced a distressing ordeal. Mark fell seriously ill three days into their holiday, experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and extreme fatigue. Despite reporting his illness, Mark’s condition worsened upon returning to the UK, leading to his untimely death due to complications related to his pre-existing diabetes.
Similarly, Elena, a part-time nurse, succumbed to her illness while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort. Her husband, Patrick, highlighted concerns about the hotel’s hygiene practices, detailing instances of improperly cooked food and substandard care during Elena’s deteriorating health. Patrick described Elena as the pillar of their family and expressed deep sorrow over her sudden passing.
Another victim, Karen, fell ill at the Riu Funana resort and tragically passed away due to severe complications, including a fractured femur. Her husband, Andy, emphasized Karen’s kindness and shared his disbelief at the tragic turn of events. The families of all six deceased individuals are seeking legal recourse against TUI, the holiday provider, for damages incurred during their ill-fated trips to Cape Verde.
Irwin Mitchell has been actively involved in advocating for the affected families, with lawyer Jatinder Paul highlighting the alarming rate of illness outbreaks among tourists to Cape Verde. The firm is dedicated to seeking answers and ensuring that hygiene standards at the resorts are improved to prevent similar incidents in the future. RIU Hotels & Resorts has affirmed its commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards at its properties in Cape Verde.
Efforts to address the hygiene concerns and ensure visitor safety remain a top priority for all involved parties. TUI has been approached for further comments on the ongoing investigations.
