The family of Karen Pooley, a 64-year-old woman who tragically passed away following a severe illness during her holiday in Cape Verde, has publicly accused travel company Tui of a series of missteps that may have contributed to her death. Pooley fell ill with a stomach infection while staying at the Riu Funana resort in October, joining a growing number of British tourists who have faced similar health crises in the region.
A Holiday Turned Nightmare
Karen Pooley, hailing from Lydney in Gloucestershire, became gravely unwell with severe sickness and diarrhoea shortly after arriving at the all-inclusive resort. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her being one of six British nationals who have died after visiting Cape Verde since the beginning of 2023. In light of these events, her family, alongside others, has initiated legal action against Tui, citing negligence.
Pooley’s daughter, Liz, expressed her belief that her mother contracted shigella, a bacterial infection known to affect the gastrointestinal system. “She and her friend were so unwell they couldn’t even leave the room,” Liz recounted. Tragically, while attempting to reach the bathroom in the middle of the night, Karen slipped on water from a leak that had previously been reported to the hotel, resulting in a broken femur.
Communication Breakdown
The family has raised concerns regarding the support provided by Tui during this ordeal. Liz described the assistance from a Tui representative as inconsistent and inadequate. “There were delays, confusion, and a language barrier at every turn,” she noted. Despite their urgent need for help, the family found it challenging to communicate effectively with the hotel staff and medical personnel.
Eventually, a nurse managed to transport Karen to the Clinitur clinic on Sal island. However, Liz lamented the difficulty in obtaining updates about her mother’s condition. “We couldn’t get anyone to answer the phone,” she said. “My mum was confused, in pain and unable to communicate.”
Karen was airlifted to Tenerife on 16 October for urgent medical attention but tragically passed away just hours later due to sepsis and multi-organ failure. “It happened in a matter of days,” Liz reflected. “A fall, an infection, and then she was gone. We never got to say goodbye. Not properly.”
Automated Messages Amidst Tragedy
In a distressing turn of events, the family continued to receive automated messages from Tui even after Karen’s passing, including one asking how she was feeling. “It made us feel like she was just a number,” Liz lamented. “To us, she was everything.”
Driven by the desire to prevent other families from enduring similar pain, Liz has decided to share her mother’s story publicly. “Our mum should have come home. No family should have to go through this,” she stated firmly.
Rising Health Concerns
Since the beginning of October, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 118 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella associated with trips to Cape Verde. The majority of these shigella cases have been linked to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas, raising serious concerns about the safety of tourism in the region.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for RIU Hotels and Resorts asserted that the health and safety of guests remains their top priority. They emphasised that their hotels adhere to strict international health and hygiene standards, certified by esteemed consultancy firms.
Why it Matters
The tragic case of Karen Pooley highlights significant issues surrounding the safety and well-being of tourists abroad. As more families come forward with similar grievances, it raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of travel companies in ensuring the health and safety of their clients. Improving communication and response protocols could be vital in preventing such heartbreaking incidents in the future, ensuring that no family has to experience the same devastating loss while on holiday.
