Seventh UK Tourist Dies from Gastric Illness in Cape Verde

A British man in his 50s from County Durham has become the seventh UK tourist to die since January 2023 after contracting a severe gastric illness during a holiday in Cape Verde. The father of two and stepfather of two passed away on November 2, 2025, from multi-organ failure following symptoms that began during his stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort on Sal island and persisted for 12 weeks afterward.

The couple, along with their stepdaughter, arrived on August 11, 2025, for a week-long all-inclusive vacation booked through tour operator TUI at a cost exceeding 6,000 pounds. The man, who was already immunocompromised, fell ill just two days into the trip, experiencing diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, and vomiting that continued throughout their time at the resort. Upon returning home, his condition worsened despite medical attention, leading to hospitalization in October 2025. His wife, who is in her 40s and has requested anonymity for the family, described the ordeal as devastating. "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," she said. "However, as soon as we arrived the...