Six British holidaymakers have died in Cape Verde since January 2023 after contracting severe stomach infections at resorts, with four fatalities occurring in just four months. The deaths are part of a broader outbreak affecting hundreds of tourists, prompting legal action from over 1,500 Britons who fell ill during trips booked through tour operator TUI.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Four of the victims—Elena Walsh, 64, Mark Ashley, 55, Karen Pooley, 64, and a 56-year-old man—died in 2025 after suffering severe gastric illnesses at five-star resorts in Cape Verde. Mark Ashley, a self-employed forklift truck driver, fell ill three days into his October 2025 holiday at the Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal, experiencing stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. He collapsed at home weeks after returning to the UK and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Deeper Dive and Context
Legal and Health Investigations
Law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing the families of the deceased and over 1,500 other British tourists who fell ill, with investigations into the fatalities ongoing. The most recent wave of infections, identified as shigella, impacted hundreds of holidaymakers at the end of 2025. The affected resorts include multiple properties operated by the Spanish hotel chain RIU, which has six locations on the island of Sal.
Family Reactions and Concerns
Emma Ashley, Mark’s wife, expressed shock and demanded answers, stating that the couple had paid over £3,000 for the trip and reported his illness via TUI’s app. She raised concerns about hygiene standards at the Riu Palace Santa Maria resort. Elena Walsh, a part-time nurse, died in August 2025 after falling ill at the Riu Cabo Verde resort on the same island.
Tourist Safety and Hospital Overload
Thousands of tourists reportedly flooded a hospital in Cape Verde, described as a “war zone” due to the outbreak’s severity. The incidents have raised questions about tourist safety and resort hygiene standards in the popular holiday destination, which is marketed for its year-round warmth and golden beaches.
Tour Operator Response
TUI, the tour operator through which many of the affected holidays were booked, has not publicly commented on the legal actions or the ongoing investigations. The company’s app was used by Emma Ashley to report her husband’s illness, but no further details on their response have been disclosed.