Over 800 British holidaymakers are initiating legal proceedings against travel agency TUI after contracting severe gastric illnesses while staying at luxury resorts in Cape Verde. These vacationers allege that their dream holidays, which should have been full of relaxation and enjoyment, were marred by serious health issues that required hospitalisation.

The group, made up of 836 claimants including families with young children, is reporting illnesses linked to E.coli, salmonella, and shigella infections. According to legal representatives, these health complications have persisted for some individuals even months or years after their holidays, significantly impacting their quality of life.

The legal action, which has been launched on behalf of those affected, claims that TUI failed in its duty to ensure proper hygiene and safety standards at the hotels where the illnesses occurred. Allegations include the serving of undercooked food, incorrect temperature controls for dishes, and the recycling of leftovers to be served in subsequent meals.

Numerous guests have reported additional issues during their stays, including the presence of flies, birds, and ants in food preparation areas, and instances of undercooked meat. A notable case is that of Nicky Morley, a 54-year-old writer from Paignton, Devon, who alleges that she contracted her severe illness after consuming undercooked pork from the poolside barbecue at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort during her stay from May 10 to May 25, 2022. Following her initial symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, which ultimately required hospital treatment, she recounted her experience as “extremely uncomfortable” upon returning home, where a doctor prescribed antibiotics for her ongoing complications.

Similarly, Kelly Barrett from Carmarthenshire, Wales paid over £5,000 for a family holiday at Hotel Riu Funana. Her children, aged four and three, fell ill shortly after arrival, suffering severe gastric symptoms that necessitated hospitalisation and an emergency airlift to Tenerife for further medical care. Two years after their vacation, both children reportedly continue to deal with health issues stemming from their illnesses.

Jatinder Paul, an expert international serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the victims, noted that the number of individuals falling ill in Cape Verde over the past three years is “truly staggering.” He indicated that the legal actions will continue to grow if TUI does not engage to resolve the claims amicably.

The distribution of the hotel guests represented in the High Court includes: 57 from Riu Palace Boavista, 300 from Riu Palace Santa Maria, 183 from Riu Funana, 105 from Riu Cabo Verde, 25 from Riu Touareg, 70 from Melia Dunas, 64 from Sol Dunas (now TUI Suneo Dunas), and 32 from TUI Blue Cabo Verde. TUI has not provided a response to inquiries about these allegations.

Source: Noah Wire Services