Deadly bug fears as seventh Brit dies after Cape Verde trip
A seventh British tourist has sadly died after visiting the Riu Funana resort in Sal - his wife says her husband suffered symptoms for 12 weeks before suffering multi-organ failure and dying.
A man has become the seventh British tourist in the last three years to die in Cape Verde following a gastric illness.
The man, in his 50s, died following a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal. He has become the seventh British person since January 2023 to pass away after becoming severely ill in the country.
The latest fatal incident comes after Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, and Mark Ashley, 55, from Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, died in January 2023 and November 2025, respectively, after both holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, in Sal. Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, also died in October after falling ill and suffering a broken leg while staying at the Riu Funana resort in Sal.
The latest victim’s wife, who wishes to keep the family anonymous, said that after falling ill, her husband suffered symptoms for 12 weeks before suffering multi-organ failure and dying. The family traveled out on 11 August last year for a week-long all-inclusive holiday, spending over £6,000.
Two days into the holiday, booked through tour operator TUI, the dad-of-two and step-dad-of-two, fell ill with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping pains, and vomiting. His symptoms persisted throughout the holiday.
The man, who was already immunosuppressed, continued to suffer symptoms upon his return home. He rapidly deteriorated in October 2025, and following his admission to hospital, his health further declined. He died on 2 November, 2025.
The man’s wife, who is in her 40s, said: "We’d been to the resort the year before to celebrate my husband’s retirement and enjoyed it so much we booked again. However, as soon as we arrived the second time, we couldn’t believe how much it appeared to have changed from our previous holiday.
"We didn’t expect the poor standards we experienced, especially for the money we paid. When my husband fell ill, he tried to continue but the holiday was ruined.
"Even more worrying was how his symptoms continued to persist once we got home. He tried to carry on, but it was obvious he wasn’t himself and was still suffering. We’re still in complete shock over his death. My husband was my soulmate and an absolutely wonderful, loving and caring dad.
"We never imagined that going on what we thought would be an enjoyable holiday would lead to such traumatic events unfolding.
"I’d do anything to turn the clock back, but I know nothing can undo what’s happened and how our family will never be the same again. However, I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer the same experience. People need to be aware of the issues hundreds of holidaymakers to Cape Verde are facing."
Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now supporting the family from County Durham, alongside the loved ones of the seven other holidaymakers. In total, the legal experts have been instructed by more than 1,700 UK tourists to Cape Verde who have fallen ill since 2022.
The latest development comes after Cape Verde authorities confirmed cases of illness and the presence of the shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh food on Sal and Boa Vista. Authorities recently launched an investigation following what it described as reports of suspected gastroenteritis in European tourists to Sal and Boa Vista.
The public health investigation by the Cape Verde authorities is believed to have seen 156 samples—from drinking water, fresh food, food-handling surfaces, food handlers, irrigation water, and medical samples—analyzed.
Bacteria was detected in samples of water used to irrigate fresh produce. While officials acknowledged some tourists may have been infected, they said positive samples fell within surveillance parameters so did not constitute an illness outbreak.
Following the identification of bacteria, the authorities issued recommendations to businesses, including strengthening disinfection processes for fresh produce throughout the production, import, and distribution chains as well as intensifying inspection activities.
Jatinder Paul, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell leading the team representing families, said: "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.
"While our focus remains on establishing the full facts of how these holidaymakers fell ill, this latest development is of great concern.
"Shigella is highly contagious. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water is one of the most common ways of transmitting the infection, and only a small number of bacteria are required to cause infection.
"We’d urge those planning on traveling to Cape Verde over the coming weeks and months to ensure they eat fully cooked, steaming hot meals, always select fruits they can peel, and avoid raw vegetables and salads.
"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 early settlement offers 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."
Part-time nurse and mum-of-one Eleana Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort in Sal.
Irwin Mitchell is also representing the loved ones of two men aged in their 60s and 50s who both died after suffering gastric illness while staying at the Riu Karamboa in Boa Vista in November 2024 and November 2025 respectively.
Technology & Business Editor
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