TUI breaks silence after 1,700 British tourists fall ill in Cape Verde with '8 dead'

TUI breaks silence after 1,700 British tourists fall ill in Cape Verde with '8 dead'More than 1,700 people have joined legal proceedings against TUI after falling ill at Cape Verde resorts, with a law firm believing eight Brits have died as a result of the illnessesCommentsNewsAshley Pemberton News Reporter10:59, 08 Apr 2026View 6 ImagesMark and Tracy Watts were taken ill(Image: Irwin Mitchell)TUI offered its condolences to families affected by a fatal sickness outbreak in Cape Verde.‌More than 1,700 people have joined legal action against the holiday giant after falling ill at a resort at the centre of a sickness outbreak. A leading lawyer says he has "never seen" a case so vast or one that has claimed so many lives.‌A Tui spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected. While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety is always our highest priority.‌View 6 ImagesCape Verde Image taken on Praia de Santa Maria(Image: Getty Images)READ MORE: Cape Verde deaths 'hits 8 Brits' as 1,700 join legal action on TUI over holiday illnessREAD MORE: Family fear mum who died on Cape Verde flight home 'may be next stomach bug victim'"We have established procedures in place to support any customer who becomes unwell while on holiday, including access to appropriate medical care and assistance in resort."To provide that support, it is important that illness is reported to our teams while customers are in destination. Where this does not happen, it limits the assistance we are able to offer at the time.‌"We continue to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate."Law firm Irwin Mitchell believes eight Britons have died after visiting Cape Verde in West Africa, which has twice been struck by an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial infection shigella in...