Overview
- Four Britons — Elena Walsh, Mark Ashley, Karen Pooley and an unnamed 56-year-old man — died between August and November 2025 after severe gastric illness contracted on holidays to Sal.
- Law firm Irwin Mitchell says it represents the families of the six deceased and more than 1,500 others who fell ill, with personal injury claims filed against TUI and investigations still ongoing.
- Mark Ashley’s death has been referred to the coroner, and relatives report poor hotel hygiene and basic local medical care, with some patients airlifted to Tenerife for treatment.
- UKHSA recorded 137 shigella cases between October and December 2025 with about 80% linked to recent Cape Verde travel, and the Foreign Office issued hygiene guidance in December.
- A High Court group action related to 2022 stays at the Riu Palace Santa Maria is due this month with about 300 claimants, and TUI says it is investigating and contests liability.