A TUI couple is among the ‘hundreds’ of holidaymakers who have been left ‘seriously ill’ after experiencing ‘holidays from hell’ in Cape Verde. According to Wales Online, nearly a thousand British tourists are now taking legal action after suffering from gastric illnesses while staying at luxury hotels on the island. Over the past three years, a total of 926 people have reported falling seriously ill during what was supposed to be dream vacations, with many ending up hospitalized.
The incidents have occurred at various five-star hotels across Cape Verde, with guests experiencing severe illnesses such as Shigella and Salmonella. Cordelia Plummer and her partner Ian Waller, from Birmingham and Kingston-Upon-Hull respectively, are among the recent holidaymakers who have sought legal advice from Irwin Mitchell. They fell ill during their two-week stay at the Riu Cabo Verde hotel on the island of Sal this summer, booked through TUI at a cost of almost £3,000 for the all-inclusive trip.
Jatinder Paul, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, expressed deep concern over the significant number of clients reporting similar illnesses over the years. He pointed out that gastric illnesses can have long-term consequences, and there is a worry that without intervention, the situation could lead to tragedy. Cordelia and Ian both experienced severe gastric symptoms during their stay, leading to consultations with doctors upon their return to the UK.
The couple recounted their ordeal, describing a holiday that turned sour due to the onset of severe sickness. They raised concerns about the quality of food served at the hotel, citing instances of uncovered dishes, lukewarm meals, and even sightings of cockroaches in the dining area. Other guests at the hotel also reported similar symptoms, further highlighting the widespread issue.
In addition to Cordelia and Ian, a group of 10 holidaymakers who stayed at Riu Cabo Verde this summer have sought legal representation from Irwin Mitchell. The law firm has also been approached by more than 20 individuals who stayed at Riu Funana Hotel in 2023, with a total of over 800 people coming forward in 2022 alone. Despite these alarming numbers, TUI has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The growing concerns over the series of illnesses experienced by holidaymakers in Cape Verde have sparked a call for thorough investigations and accountability to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. As more victims seek justice and answers, the spotlight remains on the tour operators and establishments responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests.