Holidaymakers are suing a tour operator after they all developed a gastric illness during their break. They claimed conditions at their 'five star' resort in Turkey were poor, with "lukewarm" food, while some alleged they were still suffering from "diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness and a fever".
More than 30 tourists were all staying at Mukarnas Resort and Spa, in Antalya, between July 9 and 27, through Jet2holidays. They have now instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate, reports the Mirror.
Salon owner Lauren Scott, 27, and her partner, James Beard, 42, of Wigan, and their three daughters were struck by illness towards the end of their holiday. After being told they would have to pay nearly a thousand pounds for tests, the family returned home to the UK on July 24.
James said: “We were shocked at the standards and the number of holidaymakers who were falling ill. The food served was never particularly hot and was served lukewarm. The pool was also dirty and we didn’t see it being cleaned throughout our stay."
Electrician Mark Clifton, 38, from Yeovil, visited the same resort between July 15 and 25 with his partner and her two children. Just three days into their trip Mark was unable to get out of bed suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweats and a fever.
He explained: “I was really shocked by the number of people I heard were ill at the resort. Some staff tried to say it was heatstroke, but I think it was more than that.
“My partner and her children also fell ill, but their symptoms fortunately weren’t as bad as mine. More than two weeks, on I’m still not 100 per cent and I’m not sure how long this will go on for.
Irwin Mitchell's international serious injury lawyer Jennifer Hodgson said that the firm launched an investigation into what happened.
She said: “Our clients had been looking forward to their holidays, but these were ruined when gastric symptoms struck. Gastric illness can lead to long-term health issues and its effects should never be downplayed.
“The holidaymakers we represent understandably have many questions about how not only they fell ill, but also why they were not informed of reports of illness among other guests at the resort before they travelled.
"We’re now investigating these concerns and are determined to provide the families with answers they deserve. If, during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to reduce the risk of other holidaymakers falling ill.”
A Jet2holidays spokesperson responded: “We are sorry to hear about any customers feeling unwell. As lawyers have been instructed, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.”
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