Seventh British Tourist Dies in Cape Verde After Gastric Illness on Luxury Holiday
A man in his 50s has tragically passed away after falling critically ill during a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria hotel on the island of Sal in Cape Verde. This marks the seventh British tourist to die in the country following gastric illness since January 2023, raising serious concerns about holiday safety and hygiene standards.
Details of the Latest Tragedy
The victim, who was immunosuppressed, began experiencing severe symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting just two days into his all-inclusive holiday, which cost over £6,000 and was booked through tour operator TUI. Despite returning home, his condition worsened over 12 weeks, leading to multi-organ failure and his death on November 2, 2025.
His wife, who has requested anonymity, described the holiday as a stark contrast to their previous visit, noting poor standards and unexpected changes at the resort. She expressed deep shock and grief, stating that her husband was her soulmate and a loving father, and urged others to be aware of the issues faced by holidaymakers in Cape Verde.
Previous Cases and Legal Action
This incident follows the deaths of other British tourists, including Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, and Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire, who died in 2023 and 2025 after staying at the same hotel. Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, also died in October after falling ill and sustaining a broken leg at the Riu Funana resort in Sal.
Specialist solicitors at Irwin Mitchell are now representing the family of the latest victim, along with relatives of seven other holidaymakers. In total, the legal team has been instructed by more than 1,700 British tourists who visited Cape Verde and fell ill since 2022, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Health Investigation and Findings
Cape Verde authorities have confirmed illness cases and detected shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh food on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. A public health investigation analyzed 156 samples from various sources, including drinking water and food-handling surfaces, with bacteria found in water used to irrigate fresh produce.
While officials acknowledged infections among tourists, they stated that positive samples fell within surveillance parameters and did not constitute a full outbreak. In response, authorities have issued guidance to businesses, strengthening disinfection procedures and increasing inspections.
Expert Advice and Warnings
Jatinder Paul, a specialist international serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, emphasized the contagious nature of shigella, which can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. He advised travellers to eat fully cooked, steaming hot meals, select fruits they can peel, and avoid raw vegetables and salads.
Paul also urged tour operators to address hygiene issues and cautioned affected holidaymakers against accepting early settlement offers without understanding their legal rights. He stressed that gastric illness can lead to life-long complications and even death, underscoring the need for vigilance.
This series of deaths has cast a shadow over holidays in Cape Verde, prompting calls for improved safety measures and greater awareness among travellers planning visits to the region.
