More than 350 people sue after falling seriously ill at five-star resort where woman died on holiday
Joe Harker
Featured Image Credit: Family handout
Around 350 people who were recently guests at a five star hotel in Cape Verde are bringing legal action against travel agency TUI.
Among this group launching lawsuits is a widower who lost his wife after she died following an illness two days into their holiday at the resort.
Jane and Michael Pressley went to the Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria in November last year to celebrate Jane's 62nd birthday, but they became ill shortly into their stay.
Michael recovered from his illness after a week but Jane's condition worsened and her health continued to suffer when she returned to the UK on 12 December.
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She was taken to hospital on Christmas Eve and died on 5 January, her cause of death had been infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Michael is among the approximately 350 people suing TUI, with his case concerning the illnesses he and his wife suffered and his wife's death.
The pair shared two daughters, Lucy Ambrose, 37, and Porcia Stow, 30. When Jane passed away in hospital, Porcia was pregnant with her first child, Jane never got to meet her grandchild.
"When we were told she might have a bacterial infection, it made sense as we had heard of others that had holidayed at the same place and had also been unwell," Michael said of the loss of his wife.
"It's been less than six months since we lost Jane and it's a struggle every day to understand what happened. To lose her so suddenly has absolutely devastated us all."
The cases are being represented by international injury lawyer Jatinder Paul, who told Mail Online: “The first-hand account we've heard from Michael regarding the illness he and Jane suffered during their holiday is deeply concerning.
“We're representing more than 350 others who fell seriously ill at this hotel in 2022. Therefore this latest development is of significant concern.
"The impact of such illnesses should never be downplayed as they can lead to long-term health issues and in some cases can prove fatal.”
A spokesperson from TUI told Tyla: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the Pressley family. As this is now a legal matter, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
Other guests also reported being hit by gastric illness in November last year, with 80 Brits who stayed at the same hotel between May and October 2022, also taking action.
One couple said their ‘dream holiday’ ended up being a ‘total nightmare’ while there were claims of guests being served raw chicken and the strong smell of sulphur.
Tyla have contacted the Riu Palace Hotel for comment.