Four British vacationers have tragically passed away within four months after contracting an illness while holidaying in Cape Verde, according to legal representatives. Additionally, a total of six individuals have lost their lives following trips to the West African islands since 2023.
The deceased individuals were identified as Elena Walsh, aged 64 from Birmingham, Karen Pooley, aged 64 from Gloucestershire, Mark Ashley, aged 55 from Bedfordshire, and an unnamed 56-year-old man from Chester. They all succumbed to a severe gastric illness during their visits.
Reports indicate that Walsh, who had booked a £5,000 Tui package holiday with her family in August of the previous year, fell ill shortly after arrival due to a bug. Initially suspected to have appendicitis, Walsh, a part-time nurse, underwent surgery where she suffered a heart attack and never recovered consciousness. The post-mortem revealed heart failure as the cause of death with gastroenteritis as a contributing factor.
The hospital expressed deep regret over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family members. Pooley, Ashley, and the unnamed victim also met similar tragic fates, experiencing health complications including gastroenteritis, fractured bones, and heart failure in the months following Walsh’s demise while staying at a Riu hotel.
Representing the grieving families, lawyers from Irwin Mitchell disclosed that these individuals were among six British tourists who lost their lives post-travel to Cape Verde since January 2023. Investigations into the incidents are currently ongoing.
Ashley fell ill within three days of their October holiday to Cape Verde, exhibiting symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and extreme fatigue. His wife reported his condition through an app after their return to the UK. Despite seeking medical attention, Ashley collapsed at home and passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Similarly, Pooley, who traveled to Sal for a two-week holiday booked through Tui, fell ill with gastric symptoms and later suffered a fractured femur leading to multi-organ failure and sepsis. Her husband expressed profound sadness over the loss of his wife, describing her as a kind and loving individual.
The unfortunate incidents are not isolated, with two other individuals named Jane Pressley and a man from Watford also having perished post-travel to Cape Verde since 2023. Families of the victims are pursuing personal injury claims against Tui for damages.
Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, highlighted the concerning pattern of serious illnesses affecting holidaymakers to Cape Verde over an extended period. He emphasized the need for improved hygiene standards at the hotels in the region to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of travelers.
Tui has been approached for comments on the matter.