Four Brits die after struggling abdomen bugs at resorts in Cape Verde | UK | News | EUROtoday

Four Brits have died inside 4 months after being struck down with abdomen bugs whereas holidaying in Cape Verde, attorneys representing their households have stated. Elena Walsh, 64, from BirminghamMark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man all died final yr after contracting extreme gastric sicknesses whereas on the islands off the coast of Africa.

They are 4 of six Britons who’ve died after holidays there since January 2023, with legislation agency Irwin Mitchell saying investigations into the deaths are “ongoing”. Mr Ashley’s spouse Emma, 55, stated her household are in “complete shock” over his loss of life. She stated: “We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered.”

Three days into their vacation in October, forklift truck driver Mr Ashley fell sick with signs together with abdomen ache, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and excessive lethargy, in response to Irwin Mitchell.

The agency stated it’s representing the households of the six individuals who have died and greater than 1,500 individuals who have fallen sick after visits to the nation.

Mr Ashley’s spouse, an early years assistant supervisor, stated they booked a visit costing over £3,000 with Tui, including that she reported her husband’s sickness on its app on October 9 final yr.

She stated each she and her husband, who have been married for 26 years, stayed on the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal. The 55-year-old raised considerations over the hygiene requirements on the lodge.

On their return to the UK, father-of-two Mr Ashley’s signs continued for a while, in response to his spouse.

After collapsing on the household house in Houghton Regis, Mr Ashley, who had diabetes which was managed by way of treatment, was taken to hospital on November 12 however was pronounced useless minutes later.

Irwin Mitchell stated his loss of life has been referred to the coroner and investigations are persevering with.

Part-time nurse and mother-of-one Ms Walsh died in August final yr after falling sick whereas staying on the Riu Cabo Verde resort on the identical island.

Ms Pooley, from Lydney, travelled with a pal to the Riu Funana resort in Sal on October 7, 2025, for a fortnight’s vacation costing £3,000. She booked by way of Tui, in response to the legislation agency.

The retired mother-of-two grew to become sick on October 11 with gastric signs together with diarrhoea. In the early hours of the following day she slipped on water leaking from a fridge whereas going to the lavatory.

She was transferred to a neighborhood clinic and over the following 4 days Ms Pooley continued to expertise diarrhoea and vomiting, together with extreme ache from her fractured femur.

The 64-year-old was airlifted to Tenerife for pressing care on October 16 and died within the early hours of the following day, attorneys stated.

Her husband Andy, 62, stated: “We’re utterly heartbroken. Karen was the kindest, loveliest person.

“She was a loyal spouse and mum who beloved swimming, strolling the canine within the Forest of Dean, and volunteered at a neighborhood charity store. She was additionally a beautiful pal who lit up each room she entered.”

He said his wife appeared to be in “vital misery” when the family video-called her from home. He claimed communication from the clinic and their holiday provider was poor.

Ms Pooley’s grieving husband said: “We have been determined for updates whereas watching Karen worsen. We’re devastated and struggling to know how she went on vacation and by no means got here house.”

Irwin Mitchell said Ms Pooley’s initial death certificate, issued by the Cape Verde authorities, said she died of multi-organ failure, sepsis, cardio-respiratory arrest and a broken left leg.

The other two Britons who have died since 2023 are Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, who died in January 2023 after falling ill while holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, Sal, the previous November, and a man in his 60s from Watford.

He died in November 2024 after suffering gastric illness following a trip to Cape Verde, according to Irwin Mitchell.

Families of all six people are making personal injury claims for damages against Tui, the provider of many package holidays to the island country.

Jatinder Paul, serious injury lawyer at the firm, said: “The variety of holidaymakers to Cape Verde being struck down with severe and debilitating gastric sicknesses is actually staggering. Nothing brings the gravity of this case into sharper focus than these latest deaths.

“In my experience I’m used to supporting holidaymakers who have fallen ill at resorts across the globe, but I’ve never seen repeated and continued illness outbreaks at the same resorts on such a scale over such a period of time.

“It’s nearly incomprehensible that holidaymakers proceed to explain the hygiene points at these Cape Verde resorts year-after-year. Each case is not a statistic – it is a human story of how lives have been turned the wrong way up.”

Mr Paul said those represented by the law firm have serious concerns about hygiene standards in Cape Verde, adding: “While nothing could make up for what’s occurred, we’re decided to not less than assist set up the solutions they deserve.

“In the meantime, we call for meaningful and decisive action to get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands. Tour operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays.

“Therefore, we urge them to work with the authorities to make sure the very best hygiene and security requirements are at all times upheld.”

Tui has been contacted for remark.