My mum died on holiday island loved by Brits - I don't want anyone else to go there

More than 1,700 holidaymakers and relatives have joined a legal action against travel company Tui after falling ill on holiday in the Cape Verde islands, lawyers have revealed.

Irwin Mitchell, the law firm leading the joint personal injury claim, said it believed at least eight Brits have died after stays on the popular West African archipelago since January 2023.

It is now representing more than 1,700 UK tourists who have fallen ill since 2022.

Jatinder Paul, the serious injury lawyer leading the legal team representing families, told the Express: “We continue to be contacted by hundreds more people reporting all too familiar and worrying first-hand accounts of how their holidays have been ruined by serious illness.

“Our focus remains on establishing the full facts of how these holidaymakers fell ill, but this latest development is of great concern.

“While it’s too late for those who have already suffered life-changing consequences following illness linked to holidays, it’s vital that tour operators – who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays - and authorities get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands.

“Those affected by illness shouldn’t feel pressured into accepting an early settlement offer from tour operators without understanding their full legal rights. We strongly advise seeking independent legal advice.

“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death.”

Elena Walsh, 64, and her family, from Birmingham, booked a package holiday to the island through Tui last year.

They had been staying at the five-star RIU Cabo Verde resort when she started to feel unwell on August 8 last year. Mrs Walsh was taken to hospital but died two days later.

Her son Sean told BBC Breakfast: "Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she'd pull out of it, but she just deteriorated.

"I just want people to not go there. Because, yes people can go on holidays there and come back and be fine, but my mum didn't.

"If people are willing to run that risk, then go for it, but I'd say to people: don't."

Earlier this year UK health officials issued a warning over travel to the Cape Verde islands after reports of stomach bugs.

Tui, Britain’s biggest holiday company and specialising in all-inclusive packages, is investigating the claims but is not thought to have full access to the unpublished health report.

Irwin Mitchell said its clients had reported contracting gastric illnesses such as E coli, salmonella and shigella, and parasitic infections such as cryptosporidium. Those affected include children as young as six months old.

In February, the UK Health Security Agency found that since October last year there had been 112 reported cases of shigella and 43 of salmonella linked to travel to Cape Verde.

Shigella and salmonella are gastrointestinal infections which can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever.

Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, is a popular holiday destination due to its golden beaches and year-round warm weather.

Since 2022, Tui has taken more than one million holidaymakers to the paradise island nation.

RIU Hotels and Resorts said the health and safety of guests were its main priority, adding: "Our hotels in Cape Verde follow the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external prestigious consultancy firms, specialised in health and safety."

TUI said: "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 is 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 Foreign Office advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate."