‘Raised level of illness’ at hotel where British couple died
Written by News on 24/08/2018
Thomas Cook customers in Egypt will be removed from a resort “as a precautionary measure” after the death of a British couple.
The tour operator released a statement confirming holidaymakers at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada were offered alternative hotels following the deaths of John and Susan Cooper.
Mrs Cooper worked at a Thomas Cook branch in Burnley.
It also revealed there is a “raised level of illness among guests” at the hotel.
The statement said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two of our customers that were staying in the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt. The circumstances of their deaths are still unclear.
“We have also received further reports of a raised level of illness among guests. Safety is always our first priority, so as a precautionary measure we have taken a decision to remove all our customers from this hotel.
“We will be offering customers alternative hotels within Hurghada, as well as giving them the option to return home.”
Thomas Cook said it had made arrangements for customers to fly home following their stay at the Red Sea resort if they wished.
It also said it would offer customers alternative hotels from Friday onwards.
The statement continued: “For those customers who choose to come home, we have made arrangements to fly them back tomorrow, August 24. While we understand this is upsetting for those on holiday, we believe this is the right thing to do.
“We continue to work closely with the hotel and are supporting the authorities with their investigations.
“The Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel was last audited by Thomas Cook in late July 2018 and received an overall score of 96%.
“We will be contacting those customers due to travel to the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada in the next four weeks to offer alternative holiday options.”
Carol Mackenzie, Thomas Cook’s head of customer welfare, told Sky News she flew out to provide support to the family affected by the deaths.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in Hurghada, Egypt, and we are in contact with the local tour operator.”
Earlier, Ingo Burmester, chief of Thomas Cook UK, paid tribute to Mrs Cooper, who he described as a “loyal and long-serving” employee.
He said: “We are deeply saddened by the deaths of two of our customers while on holiday in Hurghada in Egypt, one of whom was a loyal and long-serving member of our Thomas Cook family.
“Our focus is on fully supporting their loved ones.
“We are urgently investigating with the hotel and supporting the local authorities.”
(c) Sky News 2018: ‘Raised level of illness’ at hotel where British couple died
