More than 1,700 British tourists have joined a legal action against travel giant TUI following a shocking outbreak of serious illness linked to holidays in the Cape Verde islands — with lawyers now confirming that at least eight Britons are believed to have died in connection with the trips.

The mass legal action, being led by solicitors Irwin Mitchell, was presented before the High Court in February 2026, with Judge Master Mark Gidden ordering a six-week trial to take place at the end of 2027. Claimants have reported contracting severe gastric illnesses including E. coli, salmonella, shigella and the parasitic infection cryptosporidium during their stays.

Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, died two months after falling ill in Cape Verde. Since then, five more Britons have died, with the families taking legal action.

— Hits Radio Lincolnshire News (@HitsLincsNews) February 4, 2026

What went wrong in Cape Verde?

The BBC reviewed footage from inside several hotels in Cape Verde that paints a deeply troubling picture: undercooked food at buffets, fly infestations in dining areas, and mould inside guest rooms. UK health officials had already issued a warning to Britons considering travel to the West African archipelago back in February, prompted by a wave of reports from returning holidaymakers.

These were not isolated incidents. Multiple independent investigations revealed consistent patterns of poor hygiene standards across different properties. Food preparation standards appeared to fall below even basic international health codes, with particular concerns raised about buffet management, refrigeration, and cooking temperatures. The presence of mould in guest rooms suggested systemic issues with property maintenance and moisture control.

Irwin Mitchell says it is still being contacted by new claimants who fell ill as recently as two weeks ago, suggesting the problem has not been fully resolved. Lawyers from Canada and Australia have also now joined the cross-jurisdictional effort, making this one of the largest travel health lawsuits in recent years.

The impact on tourists and families

For many of the affected tourists, the consequences extended far beyond a ruined holiday. Cryptosporidium infections, in particular, are notoriously difficult to treat and can have long-lasting effects on intestinal health. Some claimants have reported ongoing digestive issues months after returning home, requiring continued medical treatment and management. The deaths among claimants have been particularly devastating, with families left not only grieving but also facing significant medical costs and funeral expenses.

TUI’s position and legal obligations

TUI has said it is investigating the claims but is not yet in a position to issue a formal statement. The company has also said it has not yet obtained access to the complete health report for Cape Verde, which remains unpublished by local authorities. The travel firm’s response has been criticised as insufficient given the scale of the reported harm.

Under UK Package Travel Regulations, travel companies like TUI are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the holiday — including accommodation standards, food safety, and sanitation — meet appropriate standards. Failure to do so can result in significant liability claims, and with over 1,700 claimants involved, the potential financial exposure is substantial. Travel industry experts suggest this case could set important precedents for how tour operators are held accountable for health and safety standards at overseas properties.

What should affected holidaymakers do?

Anyone who believes they became ill during a TUI holiday to Cape Verde is urged to contact Irwin Mitchell, who are continuing to take on new clients. Legal experts say that even those who fell ill months ago may still have grounds to join the action, and documentation of symptoms — including medical records — will significantly strengthen any claim.

Claimants should gather any available evidence, including medical records, receipts, photographs of hotel conditions, and witness accounts from other holidaymakers. Those who kept journals or social media posts documenting their illness can use these as supporting evidence. The strength of individual claims often depends on the quality and comprehensiveness of available documentation.

This is a story that is far from over. With over 1,700 people already signed up and the number still growing, TUI faces what could be one of the most damaging legal battles in the history of the UK travel industry. The trial scheduled for late 2027 will likely attract significant media attention and could fundamentally change how tour operators are held accountable for health and safety standards.