When travelers dream of escaping to a sun-soaked island getaway, the last thing they expect is to spend their vacation battling a severe case of food poisoning. Yet that's exactly what happened to thousands of British tourists who booked trips to Cape Verde through TUI. Since February 2026, more than 1,700 people have joined a class action lawsuit against the travel company after becoming seriously ill during what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday.
The legal case centers on the luxury Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel in Cape Verde, where guests began reporting gastric illnesses following their stays. What started as complaints from around 300 visitors in 2022 has ballooned into a much larger scandal. The UK Health Security Agency launched an investigation in October 2025 and published findings in February 2026 identifying 112 reported cases of Shigella and 43 cases of Salmonella alone. Guests have also reported contracting E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and other parasitic infections that ravaged their health.
A growing legal battle with serious stakes
Judge Master Mark Gidden has ordered a full High Court trial scheduled for late 2027 to hear the case. The scale of the outbreak is staggering. Since 2022, over one million British travelers have visited Cape Verde with TUI, yet the illnesses continue to surface. Some victims developed symptoms as recently as March 2026, nearly four years after the initial outbreak. Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who are handling the group action, report that many of their clients continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms linked to their illnesses long after their vacations ended.
"Many of our clients for whom we've issued legal proceedings on behalf of continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms linked to their illness," said Jatinder Paul, the lead lawyer managing the case. "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."
The human toll of a preventable crisis
Beyond the thousands still dealing with digestive problems and lingering health issues, lawyers believe at least eight British travelers have died following Cape Verde holidays in recent years. The exact circumstances surrounding these deaths require further investigation, but the toll speaks to the severity of what happened at the resort.
TUI released a statement acknowledging the situation without accepting full responsibility. "We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected," a company spokesperson said. "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."
What this means for future travelers
The outbreak raises serious questions about hygiene standards and food safety protocols at resort destinations. While Cape Verde remains a popular travel spot for British tourists seeking warm weather and beaches, this incident shows that illness outbreaks can happen anywhere, even at luxury five-star properties. Travelers should research health and safety records before booking, ask about food handling practices, and consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if necessary.
The case also highlights the importance of reporting illnesses to local health authorities and keeping documentation of symptoms. If you're planning a trip to Cape Verde, take standard precautions like drinking bottled water, avoiding street food from questionable sources, and washing hands frequently. Should you become ill during or shortly after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your travel company and travel insurance provider.
The High Court trial in late 2027 will finally give these travelers their day in court. Until then, the case stands as a stark reminder that even seemingly idyllic vacations can go dangerously wrong, and that holding companies accountable matters when guest safety is compromised.
