Jacqueline Timson, a British widow, has shared her harrowing experience of burying her husband, Colin Timson, in an unmarked grave in Cape Verde following his sudden death during a holiday in July 2024. This incident marks at least the tenth death of a British tourist on all-inclusive trips to the island nation since 2023.
Colin Timson, a retired forklift driver aged 74, fell ill with sickness and diarrhea on the second day of his holiday with his wife. He was taken to a local hospital but died later that evening. Cape Verdean authorities stated the cause of death was acute gastroenteritis and digestive bleeding, leading to dehydration, severe anemia, and septic shock. Jacqueline Timson, 69, who also experienced stomach cramps, reported that she was unable to cremate her husband in Cape Verde and, believing her travel insurance would not cover repatriation costs, had him buried in an unmarked grave.
The couple, from near Lincoln, had previously visited Cape Verde and paid approximately $2,500 for a trip with travel firm TUI. Ms. Timson described the Riu Funana hotel as not meeting the same standard as previous stays, noting concerns about undercooked food, lukewarm meals, and unsanitary conditions in public restrooms. She stated she was unaware of her husband's death until she arrived at the hospital the day after he was admitted.
Another British tourist, Laurence Brownlie, 67, a retired IT engineer from West Lothian, died in Cape Verde about a month before the Timsons. He fell ill on June 5, while staying at the Melia Llana Beach Resort and Spa with his wife, Glenna Brownlie, 66. He collapsed at dinner a few days later and could not be revived despite attempts by nearby flight crew. His death certificate listed a suspected heart attack as the cause. His family reported issues with flies in food at their hotel and the absence of a defibrillator.
More than 2,500 people who have visited Cape Verde since 2022 are pursuing legal action against TUI, alleging illnesses such as salmonella, E. Coli, and shigella. Approximately 600 individuals have come forward in the past four months following media reports. Jatinder Paul, from the law firm Irwin Mitchell representing affected individuals, described the ongoing reports of serious illness and loss of loved ones as harrowing.
Other British holidaymakers who have died in Cape Verde include Elena Walsh, 64, in August, Jane Pressley, 62, in January 2023, Mark Ashley, 55, in November, and Karen Pooley, 64, last October. Pooley had also stayed at the Riu Funana resort.
Under UK law, package holiday providers are legally responsible for the standards of all services, including food and accommodation, even if provided by third-party hotels abroad. A TUI spokesperson stated that the company provided support in both the Timson and Brownlie cases and is assisting affected family members. The company noted that its records do not indicate reports of diarrhea and vomiting made to TUI at the time of the Timsons' holiday, and that Mrs. Timson had mentioned her husband felt unwell during the flight to Cape Verde. TUI also stated that it was only informed of the legal claims by the Timson and Brownlie families on the day prior to the report and would not comment further on specifics for legal reasons. TUI also added that Mrs. Timson had thanked TUI reps for their support upon her return to the UK.