Since the presentation of the legal case against TUI in February 2026, more than 1,700 Brits have joined the class action after becoming ill while on holiday in the Cape Verde Islands. According to law firm Irwin Mitchell, some of the claimants fell ill as recently as March 2026.
In February 2026, a group action was presented before Judge Master Mark Gidden, who ordered a six-week High Court trial to take place at the end of 2027. The personal injury case against TUI initially concerned some 300 people who stayed at the 5-star Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel in Cape Verde in 2022 and experienced stomach issues following their stay, allegedly caused by the circumstances they encountered at the hotel.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published findings in February 2026 from an investigation launched in October 2025, identifying 112 reported cases of Shigella and 43 cases of Salmonella.
Since then, many others have joined the group action according to the lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. Some 1,700 people have contacted the law firm after becoming ill during a TUI holiday on Cape Verde, and some of them developed symptoms following a stay as recent as March 2026.
“Many of our clients for whom we’ve issued legal proceedings on behalf of continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms linked to their illness. While it’s too late for those we represent in terms of their holiday being ruined by such illness, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve and, where appropriate, access to ongoing support and treatment they may require,” said Jatinder Paul, lead lawyer of the group action.
Holidaymakers report contracting gastric illnesses, including E coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, as well as parasitic infections such as Cryptosporidium. Overall, the lawyers believe eight Britons have died after a Cape Verde holiday in recent years.
“We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected. While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety are always our highest priority. We have established procedures in place to support any customer who becomes unwell while on holiday, including access to appropriate medical care and assistance in resort. We continue to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate,” a Tui spokesperson commented on the matter.
Since 2022, when the first outbreak allegedly took place, over one million holidaymakers have travelled to Cape Verde with TUI.
