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Widow's Plea: Husband Buried Unmarked in Cape Verde
10 Jul
Summary
- British widow forced to bury husband in unmarked Cape Verde grave.
- Over 2,500 people reported illnesses after Cape Verde holidays since 2022.
- Ten families, including 10 deaths, are pursuing legal action against Tui.
A British widow has shared her harrowing experience of burying her husband in an unmarked grave in Cape Verde after he died during a holiday. Retired forklift driver Colin Timson, 74, fell ill shortly after arriving at the Riu Funana resort in July 2024. His death certificate cited severe dehydration and septic shock from acute gastroenteritis.
Mrs. Timson, who also became ill, described poor conditions at the resort, including undercooked food and unsanitary facilities. She was unable to arrange a cremation and had to bury her husband just three days after his passing, thousands of miles from home.
Her account follows similar reports from other British holidaymakers. Law firm Irwin Mitchell states it represents over 2,500 people who have suffered illnesses like salmonella and E. coli after holidays in Cape Verde since the summer of 2022. The firm is acting for families of 10 individuals who died from gastric illnesses, with legal action planned against Tui.
Another case involves Laurence Brownlie, 67, who died during a holiday at the Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa. His family expressed concerns about resort conditions, including reports of flies in food and a lack of a defibrillator. Jatinder Paul, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, highlighted the ongoing issues and the firm's commitment to seeking answers and support for affected families.
