Explore the latest developments concerning "Unprecedented" High Court.
"Unprecedented" High Court Action as Cape Verde Sickness Claims Mount
What was promised as a dream getaway to the sun-drenched beaches of the Cape Verde archipelago has allegedly turned into a legal and medical nightmare for thousands of British holidaymakers. As of May 2026, travel giant TUI is embroiled in one of the largest coordinated legal actions of its kind, with more than 1,700 individuals now pursuing damages following severe gastric outbreaks.
The litigation, spearheaded by specialist international injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, alleges that guests at several popular resorts were exposed to life-threatening bacterial and parasitic infections. Claimants report a harrowing list of illnesses, including:
The scale of the crisis is underscored by reports from legal representatives suggesting that at least eight British tourists have died after contracting illnesses during their stay in the West African nation since January 2023. Victims have ranged from elderly travellers to infants as young as six months old.
How Cape Verde horror bug 'killed 8' as more than 2,000 people join TUI legal action
More than 2,000 people have joined a personal injury claim against TUI(Image: Shutterstock / Samuel Borges Photography)
A solicitor representing more than 2,000 individuals pursuing legal action against TUI over illness in Cape Verde has warned it could be the "tip of the iceberg".
More than 2,000 people joined a personal injury claim being brought against the German company after holidaymakers fell ill in the west African island chain. Solicitors from Irwin Mitchell said they were continuously being approached by people who reported developing gastric illnesses, including E coli, salmonella and shigella, and even parasitic infections such as cryptosporidium during Tui package holidays.
3000W Portable Q Switch Nd Yag Laser Tattoo Removal Machine Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal Picosecond Laser Tattoo Removal Mach
More than 2,000 tourists sue over Cape Verde outbreak
More than 2,000 tourists are taking legal action after a cape verde stomach illness outbreak left eight people dead, with holidaymakers reporting infections including Shigella, Salmonella and E. coli. Jatinder Paul, the lawyer representing victims through Irwin Mitchell, said the claims could be “the tip of the iceberg.”
Paul said, “These are just the people that have contacted us.” He added, “This litigation is on an absolute huge scale,” and, “It’s not something that I’ve ever seen before.” The legal claims are mainly against TUI, which has taken over a million tourists to Cape Verde in recent years.
Victims said they were left with dirty hotels, unsafe food and problems with the islands’ water systems. Paul said, “We’ve heard over and over again meat being uncooked,” and, “We’ve seen photographs of chicken that is quite clearly raw.” He also said, “We’ve seen flies on food, considerable flies on food.”
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning "Unprecedented" High Court.
