Seventh British Tourist Dies in Cape Verde Gastric Illness Outbreak
A man in his 50s has tragically become the seventh British tourist to die in Cape Verde over the past three years after falling severely ill with a gastric illness. The incident occurred following a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal, marking a concerning pattern of fatalities among UK holidaymakers in the region.
Details of the Latest Fatality
The victim, who was immunosuppressed, fell ill just two days into an all-inclusive holiday booked through TUI in August 2025. He experienced symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting, which persisted throughout the trip and continued after returning home to the UK. His condition rapidly deteriorated in October 2025, leading to multi-organ failure and his death on November 2, 2025. His wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the holiday as a stark contrast to a previous enjoyable visit, noting poor standards and a ruined experience.
Previous Cases and Legal Actions
This death follows other similar tragedies, including Jane Pressley, 62, and Mark Ashley, 55, who died in 2023 and 2025 after staying at the same Riu Palace Hotel. Additionally, Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, died in October 2025 after falling ill at the Riu Funana resort, and Eleana Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, passed away in August 2025 after becoming sick at the Riu Cabo Verde resort. Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now supporting the families of these victims, as well as over 1,700 UK tourists who have reported illnesses in Cape Verde since 2022.
Health Investigation and Findings
Cape Verde authorities have launched a public health investigation following reports of suspected gastroenteritis among European tourists on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Analysis of 156 samples from various sources, including drinking water, fresh food, and irrigation water, detected the presence of shigella bacteria in irrigation water used for fresh produce. While officials acknowledged some infections, they stated that positive samples fell within surveillance parameters and did not constitute an outbreak. Recommendations have been issued to businesses to strengthen disinfection processes and inspection activities.
Legal and Safety Advice
Jatinder Paul, an expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, emphasized the contagious nature of shigella and urged travellers to Cape Verde to take precautions, such as eating fully cooked meals and avoiding raw vegetables. He also advised affected holidaymakers to seek independent legal advice before accepting settlement offers from tour operators, highlighting the potential for life-long complications from gastric illnesses. Irwin Mitchell is also representing families of two other men who died after staying at the Riu Karamboa in Boa Vista in 2024 and 2025.
TUI has been contacted for comment regarding these incidents, as concerns over holiday safety in Cape Verde continue to grow among British tourists.
