Gainsborough family among those pressing TUI lawsuit after Cape Verde deaths
Law firm representing families calls for action to improve hygiene standards
The family of a Gainsborough woman who died after falling ill on holiday in Cape Verde are among those taking legal action against travel company TUI.
Jane Pressley, 62, became unwell in Sal in November 2022 and died two months later.
Since then, five more British tourists have died, with over 1,500 people reporting illness as part of the same lawsuit.
Law firm Irwin Mitchell said investigations into the cases are ongoing, with concerns over hygiene standards in the Atlantic island resorts booked through tour operator TUI.
Lawyers have revealed that gastric illnesses such as Shigella, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter were confirmed in numerous patients, raising serious concerns that insufficient hygiene practices in food preparation and hotel facilities may be contributing factors.
The six deaths come amid ongoing reports from tourists experiencing debilitating illnesses in Cape Verde resorts.
Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer representing the affected families and over 1,500 other British travellers who have reported illness following their trips to Cape Verde, described the situation as “a scandal.”
“In my experience, I’ve never seen repeated outbreaks of gastric illnesses on this scale at the same resorts over such a prolonged period.”
“It’s almost incomprehensible that holidaymakers are still reporting hygiene issues at these Cape Verde hotels year after year.
“Each case isn’t a statistic; it’s a human story of how lives have been turned upside down.”
The families are calling for tour operators to take decisive action to address hygiene concerns in Cape Verde resorts, affirming that they have a duty to ensure the safety of holidaymakers who book their package deals.
Jatinder added: “Many clients have described feeling fobbed off or ignored.
“Had operators reached out to warn potential travellers of existing outbreaks, many would have reconsidered their holiday plans.”
Lawyers are pressing for admissions of liability and compensation for affected families, including reimbursement for medical expenses and loss of income caused by the illnesses.
They also emphasised that justice goes beyond financial settlements, seeking accountability and improved hygiene standards.
TUI has been contacted for comment.
If you have been affected or wish to report hygiene concerns following a Cape Verde trip it’s advised to contact your tour operator, document your experience with photos and detailed notes, and report directly to the hotel.