More than 30 British holidaymakers are suing a holiday firm saying they were struck down by gastric illness at a Turkish resort - which they claim had poo in the pool. The group say conditions at their 'five star' resort were poor, with 'luke warm' food and are still suffering 'diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness and a fever'.
The group travelled to Mukarnas Resort and Spa in Antalya, Turkey between 9 and 27 July after booking through tour operator Jet2 Holidays. They have now instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
Salon owner Lauren Scott, 27, and her partner, James Beard, 42, who owns an exterior cleaning business, were both hit by by gastric illness. The couple visited the resort with their daughters Maddison, 10, Georgia, eight, and six-year-old Olivia on 9 July.
After 10 days, the entire family was struck by illness. After being told they would have to pay nearly a thousand pounds for tests, the family returned home to the UK on 24 July.
Lauren and James continue to suffer gastric issues after their return, with Lauren also suffering from night sweats. James said: “We were all really excited about going to Turkey. It was our first holiday away as a family and we’d been counting down the days.
“Sadly, the resort was a huge let down. 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.
"On one occasion there was poo in the hotel pool, and I was shocked when the lifeguards tried to remove it with their hands and didn’t close the pool or try to clean it. We’ve heard of so many other people falling ill, which really isn’t something you expect on holiday.
"We feel that the hotel staff were unhelpful and we’re concerned that we were allowed to fly out to this resort when it’s believed so many holidaymakers were falling ill at the hotel. All I want now are some answers as to why this happened; it’s the least we deserve after what we’ve had to endure.”
Another victim was Mark Clifton, 38, an electrician from Yeovil. He and his partner visited the same resort between 15 and 25 July with her two children.
Just three days into their trip Mark was unable to get out of bed. After suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweats and a fever he went to see the hotel doctor - who was unavailable.
Even now after coming home he still suffers from stomach cramps. 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.
“I remember thinking the food at the hotel was lukewarm, and I didn’t once see the pool being cleaned or tested while I was there. 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.
“While I can’t turn back the clock, I just want to know why this happened.”
Irwin Mitchell's international serious injury lawyer Jennifer Hodgson says that the firm have begun 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 Jet2 spokesperson said: “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.”
