A group of British vacationers fell ill with severe symptoms and tragically passed away due to an unknown stomach ailment while holidaying in a picturesque destination. Among the deceased were Elena Walsh, Mark Ashley, Karen Pooley, and another man, who succumbed to severe gastric illnesses after visiting the Cape Verde islands off the coast of West Africa. These deaths are part of a total of six fatalities reported since 2023 following trips to the same location, as disclosed by legal representatives at Irwin Mitchell.

Emma, the wife of Mark Ashley, expressed profound shock at her husband’s sudden illness and subsequent demise during their Cape Verde trip. Mark, a self-employed forklift truck driver, experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and extreme fatigue three days into their holiday in October. Despite reporting his illness to Tui, the tour operator, Mark’s condition worsened upon their return to the UK, leading to his untimely death in November.

Similarly, Karen Pooley, a 64-year-old vacationer, fell ill during her stay at the Riu Funana resort and tragically passed away after being airlifted for urgent medical care. Her husband, Andy, described her as a kind and loving individual who enjoyed various activities like swimming and volunteering. Karen’s tragic death was attributed to multi-organ failure, sepsis, and a broken leg, as per the initial death certificate issued by Cape Verde authorities.

The legal team at Irwin Mitchell is actively pursuing personal injury claims against Tui on behalf of the affected families. Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer, highlighted the concerning trend of serious gastric illnesses affecting numerous travelers to Cape Verde over an extended period. The call for improved hygiene standards and decisive action to address the reported issues at hotels in Cape Verde remains a top priority for the families seeking justice amidst their profound loss.

Tui has been reached out to for comments on the matter.