The man in his 50s died following a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal, becoming the seventh person since January 2023 to die after illness in Cape Verde
Paige Ingram, Oliver Radcliffe Live News Reporter and Elizabeth Hunter
08:14, 30 Mar 2026
A tourist died in Cape Verde after catching an infection(Image: ICHAUVEL via Getty Images)
Another tourist has tragically died in the space of three years, following a gastric illness said to have been contracted in Cape Verde.
The man, in his 50s, passed away after a week-long stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal. He is the seventh British national since January 2023 to lose his life after falling seriously ill in the country.
The latest fatality follows the deaths of Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, and Mark Ashley, 55, from Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, who died in January 2023 and November 2025 respectively, both having holidayed at the Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, Sal. Karen Pooley, 64, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, also died in October after falling ill and sustaining a broken leg while staying at the Riu Funana resort in Sal.
The latest victim’s wife, who has requested the family remain anonymous, revealed that following his initial illness, her husband endured symptoms for 12 weeks before experiencing multi-organ failure and dying. The family departed on August 11last year for a week-long all-inclusive holiday, spending in excess of £6,000.
Just two days into the holiday, booked through tour operator TUI, the father-of-two and step-father-of-two fell ill, experiencing symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramping pains, and vomiting. His condition continued to deteriorate throughout the remainder of the holiday. The man, who was already immunosuppressed, continued to experience symptoms upon returning home. He deteriorated rapidly in October 2025, and following his hospitalisation, his condition worsened further. He passed away on November 2, 2025, reports the Mirror.
The man’s wife, who is in her 40s, said: “We’d been to the resort the year before to celebrate my husband’s retirement and enjoyed it so much we booked again to return. However, as soon as we arrived the second time, we couldn’t believe how much it appeared to have changed from our previous holiday.
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The man is the latest in a string of tourists who died there(Image: Igor Yudaev via Getty Images)
“We didn’t expect the poor standards we experienced, especially for the money we paid. When my husband fell ill, he tried to continue but the holiday was ruined.
“Even more worrying was how his symptoms continued to persist once we got home. He tried to carry on but it was obvious he wasn’t himself and was still suffering. We’re still in complete shock over his death. My husband was my soulmate and an absolutely wonderful, loving and caring dad.
“We never imagined that going on what we thought would be an enjoyable holiday would lead to such traumatic events unfolding.
“I’d do anything to turn the clock back, but I know nothing can undo what’s happened and how our family will never be the same again. However, I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer the same experience. People need to be aware of the issues hundreds of holidaymakers to Cape Verde are facing.” Specialist solicitors at Irwin Mitchell are now representing the family, from County Durham, along with the loved ones of the seven other holidaymakers. In total, the legal experts have been instructed by more than 1,700 UK tourists who visited Cape Verde and fell ill since 2022.
This latest development follows confirmation by Cape Verde authorities of illness cases and the presence of shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh food on Sal and Boa Vista. Authorities recently launched an investigation after what they described as reports of suspected gastroenteritis among European tourists visiting Sal and Boa Vista.
The public health inquiry conducted by the Cape Verde authorities is understood to have involved the analysis of 156 samples – taken from drinking water, fresh food, food-handling surfaces, food handlers, irrigation water and medical samples.
Bacteria was discovered in samples of water used to irrigate fresh produce. While officials acknowledged that some tourists may have been infected, they stated that positive samples fell within surveillance parameters and therefore did not constitute an illness outbreak.
Bacteria was discovered in samples of wate(Image: zodebala via Getty Images)
Following the detection of bacteria, authorities issued guidance to businesses, including bolstering disinfection procedures for fresh produce throughout the production, import and distribution chain, as well as stepping up inspection activities.
Jatinder Paul, the specialist international serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell heading the team representing the families, said: “We continue to be contacted by hundreds more people reporting all too familiar and worrying first-hand accounts of how their holidays have been ruined by serious illness.
“While our focus remains on establishing the full facts of how these holidaymakers fell ill, this latest development is of great concern.
“Shigella is highly contagious. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water is one of the most common ways of transmitting the infection, and only a small number of bacteria is required to cause infection.
“We’d urge those planning on travelling to Cape Verde over the coming weeks and months to ensure they eat fully cooked, steaming hot meals, always select fruits they can peel and avoid raw vegetables and salads.
“While it’s too late for those who have already suffered life-changing consequences following illness linked to holidays, it’s vital that tour operators – who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays – and authorities get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands.
“Those affected by illness shouldn’t feel pressured into accepting early settlement offer from tour operators without understanding their full legal rights. We strongly advise seeking independent legal advice.
“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death.”