A legal representative for over 2,000 individuals pursuing legal recourse against TUI for illnesses contracted in Cape Verde has cautioned that this may be just the beginning of a larger issue. The personal injury claim against the German company has attracted more than 2,000 claimants, with reports of holidaymakers falling ill on the West African island chain with conditions such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and parasitic infections like cryptosporidium during TUI package holidays.
Expressing concern over the potential financial implications facing TUI, one of the leading solicitors involved in the case, Jatinder Paul from Irwin Mitchell, urged the travel firm to address the situation promptly. Paul emphasized the unprecedented scale of this litigation and suggested that there could be more cases emerging.
Paul highlighted the challenges faced in dealing with TUI’s denial of liability, leading to legal proceedings in the High Court. He urged TUI to engage in an amicable resolution to avoid prolonged legal battles.
Tragic instances of holidaymakers passing away in Cape Verde have been identified, including Elena Walsh, Mark Ashley, and Karen Pooley, along with two unnamed men in their 50s who lost their lives in 2025. The legal team is resolutely pursuing justice for all affected individuals, holding TUI accountable for the health and safety of their clients during package holidays.
Moreover, stories of severe illness have emerged, such as that of Alisha Hussain, who suffered from alarming symptoms during her holiday, resulting in hospitalization upon her return to the UK. TUI, while expressing condolences for the losses, reiterated its commitment to customer health and safety as a top priority.
As the legal battle intensifies, affected individuals seek accountability and justice for the distressing experiences endured during what was meant to be a relaxing holiday getaway.