Four UK Tourists Die After Cape Verde Holidays as Families Launch Lawsuit Against TUI

Four British tourists have died after contracting a severe Shigella infection during or shortly after holidays in Cape Verde, prompting their families to sue travel operator TUI.

The victims aged between 55 and 64 fell ill mainly on the island of Sal, developing acute gastrointestinal symptoms linked to the highly contagious bacterium.

With these deaths, the total number of British fatalities connected to Cape Verde trips since 2023 has risen to six. Law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing the six bereaved families, as well as around 1,500 other travelers who reportedly became ill after visiting the destination.

TUI has also confirmed at least eight Dutch cases of Shigella infections linked to stays on Sal and Boa Vista in late 2024, though it says the scale is far smaller than in the UK. Health experts warn that shigellosis can cause severe dehydration and, in rare cases, sepsis, stressing the importance of strict hygiene and food safety.

Families of the victims have described their shock and devastation, questioning resort hygiene standards and the lack of decisive action. TUI says it is investigating all cases and supporting affected customers, while the Riu hotel chain said it is “deeply affected” by the reports. Despite the outbreak, the resorts involved are reportedly still operating.