Legal Experts Now Representing Several Hundred Holidaymakers Struck Down By Illness

A woman from Birmingham and a man from Hull are among a new group of British holidaymakers to contact lawyers after being struck down with gastric illness in Cape Verde.

Cordelia Plummer, 56 from Shard End, Birmingham, and her partner Ian Waller, 56 from Kingston-Upon-Hull, Hull, were both struck down with serious gastric illness during a two week stay at the Riu Cabo Verde hotel in Sal, Cape Verde. The holiday, taken between 12 and 27 July 2024, was booked via tour operator TUI, and the couple paid almost £3,000 for their all-inclusive break.

They follow hundreds of British holidaymakers who have asked International Serious Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after being struck down by illnesses at various hotels in Cape Verde in recent years, including almost 100 holidaymakers who fell ill with serious illnesses such as Shigella and Salmonella following their stays at the Riu Cabo Verde in the summer of 2022.

Jatinder Paul is the specialist International Serious Injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the holidaymakers.

Expert Opinion

“The sheer volume of clients we’re continuing to see coming forward having fallen ill during stays in Cape Verde over the last three years is incredibly concerning.

“The numbers involved show that these aren’t isolated incidents. The fact that significant numbers are still approaching us with similar first-hand accounts points towards a worrying picture of ongoing illness that shows no sign of ending.

“Those we represent rightly have a number of concerns over how such illnesses have occurred over such a period of time. Gastric illness can result in long-term health problems or even death, and the fear is this could end in tragedy if something isn’t done to address the underlying causes.

“We understand that several other people at the hotel fell ill at the same time as Cordelia and Ian did. As part of our investigations, we’d be keen to hear from anyone else who was staying at this hotel at the same time.” Jatinder Paul

Cordelia and Ian are among a new group of ten holidaymakers who stayed at the 5 Star Riu Cabo Verde this summer to instruct Irwin Mitchell.

Meanwhile more than 20 people have approached Irwin Mitchell after staying at Riu Funana Hotel in 2023. In 2022 more than 170 holidaymakers came forward to take legal action after falling ill at the same hotel.

Hundreds other holidaymakers have instructed the firm following illness at other Cape Verde hotels in 2022, including over 300 holidaymakers who fell ill at the Riu Palace Santa Maria, another hotel on the Sal island. These cases are ongoing.

Struck down with illness: Cordelia and Ian’s story

Cordelia, a Customer Service Assistant, was taken ill a week into the break with severe gastric symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. She was mainly confined to her room for four days and was forced to consult her GP on returning to the UK, who initially said her symptoms could be a sign of shigella.

Ian was stuck down a few days later with the same symptoms and his symptoms continued for the remainder of the holiday and upon his return to the UK.

While Cordelia was ill, Ian continued to take meals alone, until he also was stuck down with the same symptoms on 22 July. Ian continues to suffer with an ongoing change to his bowel habits.

The couple said they spoke to other guests at the hotel who were suffering with similar symptoms and on returning home, they were shocked to read negative reviews online, with people reporting similar experiences to their own.

The couple said that they noticed that food was often served uncovered and lukewarm. They also reported that the same dishes appeared to be served on more than one occasion and Ian and Cordelia both observed cockroaches in the restaurant near the desserts.

Cordelia speaks out on holiday the couple will do their best to forget

Cordelia said: “What was meant to be a dream two weeks on a wonderful island turned into a holiday Ian and myself will now do our best to forget.

“What started as headaches and a feeling of nausea, became the worst sickness and diarrhoea I’ve ever known. I think everyone has probably had an upset stomach at one time or another, but this was something much worse. I was in the room for several days and have never felt so ill.

“It was bad enough that we sought medical advice and did so again once we were back home. Ian was also really sick but decided to let the illness run its course.

“We both had concerns about the presentation of the food, with some dishes not appearing to be thoroughly cooked or what looked like the same dishes from lunch would appear again at dinner.

“The cockroaches were also disgusting and when we pointed this out on one occasion, a member of staff came out, picked it up in a napkin and walked towards the kitchen with it.

“While at the hotel, we encountered several other guests who also said they had been ill with the same symptoms as ours. There were three older ladies we spoke to and a group of younger girls too who also said they’d been really ill.

“The number of stories we have seen and heard before coming home and returning to the UK are shocking. Had we seen these beforehand, we’d never have booked the holiday. I think Ian and myself and all the other people who have fallen ill need to know what happened and what is being done to prevent this happening to others.”

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.