First High Court hearing into illnesses at Cape Verde hotels to be heard this week

The first High Court hearing into claims for damages in relation to holidaymakers falling ill in Cape Verde is due to be heard this week.

A group action involving 300 British holidaymakers who suffered illnesses linked to their holidays in summer 2022 is listed to be heard by the High Court in London on February 4. 

The case management hearing will set out the timetable to hear the claim. 

The holidays were booked through Tui, which has denied liability.

Several other group actions involving UK holidaymakers who fell ill in the island state in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa are expected to be listed in the coming months, according to law firm Irwin Mitchell.

More than 1,500 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022, including the families of six Britons who have died, are being represented by Irwin Mitchell. 

Jatinder Paul, an international serious injury lawyer representing the families, said: “Understandably, those we represent have serious concerns about hygiene standards in Cape Verde. While nothing can make up for what’s happened we’re determined to at least help establish the answers they deserve.

“In the meantime, we call for meaningful and decisive action to get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands. 

“Tour operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays. 

“Therefore, we urge them to work with the authorities to ensure the highest hygiene and safety standards are always upheld.”

A Tui spokesperson told The Sunday Times: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer safety remains at the heart of our operations. With industry-leading standards and robust measures in place, we are committed to ensuring customers are protected wherever they are.

“Tui follows FCDO advice for all destinations and, through our global health and safety management programme, conducts investigations in co-operation with hotel partners and relevant authorities.”