Brit tourist given quadbike trip as hotel room stinks - but suffers horror crash
A free quadbiking trip ended in carnage after a Brit holidaymaker crashed the vehicle - leaving him with life-changing injuries.
Tony Holliday, 57, had been offered the trip free of charge after his luggage went missing and the two hotel rooms he booked in Sal, Cape Verde stank of sewage. The family accepted the complimentary trip after resort staff assured them it was "suitable for beginners" and provided by a reputable company.
However, they claim the gentle ride they were expected involved riding over steep and dusty mountainous terrain with very little instructions or guidance. It wasn't until Tony was on the descent down a volcanic trail that he noticed his brakes had stopped working, causing him to lose control and smash into a rock catapulting him into the air.
The dad of three suffered a severely fractured right leg and sustained a head injury along with a shoulder injury - he also now suffers from PTSD.
Tony is now taking legal action claiming the holiday company misrepresented the excursion and did not disclose the trip would, in fact, be provided by their local supplier.
Tony, from Cockermouth, in Cumbria, said: 'I trusted the assurances that were given to us by the holiday firm representatives, that this was a safe and beginner friendly quadbike excursion, not the 'four-hour adrenaline-fueled off-road adventure' that I later learnt was being promoted.'
"If I had experienced even a glimmer of doubt about the safety of the trip, I would never have put myself, my wife and two of my daughters at risk... I trusted the company and thought we were safe.'
Tony, a property developer, travelled with his wife Bev and two daughters Keeley and Rhianna to the stunning island in March 2023. He has told how the trip got off to a disappointing start after the family's luggage got lost at the airport and their allocated hotel rooms smelled strongly of sewage.
That's when resort staff offered the family the complimentary quad biking excursion which ended with Tony suffering horrific injuries. The dad was repatriated back to the UK where he underwent emergency surgery which saved his leg.
The injuries have significantly impacted his life - he has ongoing pain and mobility difficulties which has affected his work as he is no longer able to do the heavy jobs. Following the crash Tony's travel insurance provider would not cover the cost of his medical treatment and repatriation, as quadbiking is considered a 'hazardous' activity.
Tony is now taking legal action supported by international injury lawyer Chris Deacon from the law firm, Stewarts. Stewarts' claim argues the company misrepresented the nature of the excursion and did not disclose the excursion would, in fact, be provided by a local supplier.
Their claim alleges the holiday company is liable for the unsafe nature of the excursion, including an inappropriate route, lack of instruction and a defective quadbike.
Chris Deacon said: 'Sadly every year I see cases like Tony's of people sustaining serious life-changing injuries on holiday excursions... One of the key factors which influences whether a person can bring a compensation claim for their injuries is how the excursion booked.
"This is because booking your excursion through your tour operator as part of your package holiday brings with it certain protections under the Package Travel Regulations.
"If you book through a small, local provider, there is a risk they won't be insured, fully or at all, with no safeguard that the tour operator may have risk assessed the provider or activity, and the added complication of potentially having to bring your legal case in a foreign jurisdiction.'
'What is also worth knowing is that many travel insurance policies exclude high risk activities such as quad biking, parachuting, bungee jumping and certain watersports.
"So even if you have travel insurance, don't assume it will cover you for everything.'
Chris also claims that tour operators are profiting significantly from these activities and should take greater precautions in ensuring the welfare of the customers they are selling them to.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Guide collapses and dies in front of horrified tourists he was showing around Rome's iconic Colosseum
Two tourists tried to save her life COLOSSEUM SHOCK Guide collapses and dies in front of horrified tourists he was showing around Rome's iconic Colosseum Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOUR guide has died while taking visitors around Rome's legendary Colosseum. Giovanna Maria Giammarino, 56, collapsed while leading a tour group at 6pm on Tuesday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Giovanna Maria Giammarino died while climbing the stairs at the Colosseum 2 The Colosseum is one of the world's top attractions Credit: Getty She suffered a heart attack while climbing a set of stairs at the monument and fell unconscious. Paramedics rushed to the scene - but tragically could not revive Giovanna. Two tourists tried to save her life be carrying out CPR - and staff attempted to us a defibrillator. The lights were turned off at a Colosseum - a relice of Ancient Rome - on Wednesday night in a "sign of mourning". READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS BELLA'S TERROR Brit thugs forced 'drug mule' Bella Culley to watch beheading, lawyer says Isabella Ruggiero, president of the Association of Licensed Tourist Guides (AGTA), said: "Two tourists were the first to help her. "They attempted to revive her by performing CPR. Meanwhile, staff from the Colosseum Archaeological Park arrived with a defibrillator. "But unfortunately there was nothing they could do; Giovanna never regained consciousness. When the ambulance arrived, she was sadly already deceased." Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri offered his condolences, as did tourism minister Daniela Santanché. Santanché said: "My thoughts go out to all those who, like Giovanna, dedicate their lives to enhancing our cultural heritage. "It is our duty to pay tribute to their commitment by ensuring a work environment that respects their dedication and sacrifice." Secret tunnel city stretching 985ft below Rome is uncovered after vast labyrinth was sealed more than a century ago After her death, unions raised questions over working conditions at the monument - which is visited by 7million people every year. Ms Ruggiero said her death highlighted the "physical exertion to which the body is subjected during the work of a guide". In a joint statement, the Rome branches of three trade unions said: "A name that adds to the all-too-long list of people who have lost their lives at work and which makes us responsible for keeping the spotlight on working conditions in the cultural world, which must necessarily change and improve." "In this tragedy, we regret to note that, once again, when a person dies at work, work activities are not suspended. "We therefore condemn the decision to reopen the monument despite the tragic event. "It's true that guided tours are booked by the public well in advance, but feelings of condolence should have prevailed over any event or initiative."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit found dead on cruise ship docked in Italy as fellow passengers try to save him
An 83-year-old was found unresponsive in a swimming pool onboard the Marella Voyager while it was docked in Naples. Holidaymakers and crew desperately tried to save him but he could not be revived. A Brit pensioner has tragically passed away on a cruise ship after being found lifeless in the swimming pool while the vessel was moored in Naples. The 83-year-old Scottish man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was discovered in the Marella Voyager's pool yesterday afternoon. Despite frantic efforts by holidaymakers and crew to resuscitate him, their attempts were unsuccessful. Italian authorities boarded the ship, temporarily impounding it as they conducted investigations. The vessel, operated by TUI, was scheduled to depart at 5pm local time but faced delays of several hours. After thorough examination, police dismissed any suspicion of foul play, confirming that the elderly man had fallen ill in the water. Subsequently, the cruise liner was permitted to continue its Mediterranean voyage. Having embarked from Majorca on August 16, the Marella Voyager had visited Sardinia prior to its stop in Naples and is now en route to Rome, Corsica, Spain, and will return to Majorca, reports the Daily Record. An FCDO spokesperson stated: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy." The Mirror has contacted TUI for more information. The Marella Voyager left Majorca on August 16 before stops at Olbia in Sardinia, Naples, Rome, Ajaccio in Corsica, Palamos in Spain and a return to Majorca. This comes as some popular tourist cities turn against cruises. Three cruise ship terminals are to be ripped down in Barcelona following mounting pressure from locals. Officials in the beloved Spanish destination have decided to scale back the port's cruise ship capacity after years of campaigners arguing that boatloads of passengers are adding unbearable strain to the city. Barcelona's port currently boasts nine terminals, with seven dedicated to cruise ships. Catalonian governing authorities have now chosen to act, with proposals to demolish the three most dated terminals (A, B, and C). A cutting-edge terminal will be constructed at Terminal C's existing site, due to launch by the decade's close. The replacement facility will accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers simultaneously. Nevertheless, the port's overall daily capacity will fall from roughly 37,000 to 31,000 under the €185m (£160m) scheme, according to EuroWeekly News. The revelation comes after this week's agreement between the port authority and the city council.
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
One in three Brits will picnic 'no matter the weather'
One in three Brits are determined to enjoy their picnic regardless of the weather, even if it means eating sandwiches in the car or beneath an umbrella. Research involving 2,000 adults showed that for 20 per cent, the unpredictability of the weather brings a touch of 'excitement' to their al fresco dining adventure. The research discovered that the typical Brit enjoys three picnics each year, but frequently expect it to be disrupted by the weather. Nevertheless, a third would continue with their picnic arrangements despite heavy rain, viewing it as an integral part of being British. Almost half would hunt for an alternative location to dine if conditions changed, eager not to waste any food. According to the survey, fruits, crisps and chocolate bars were recognised as the leading foods most likely to withstand a wet picnic. A spokesperson for Nestlé UK and Ireland, which commissioned the research, said: "There's something quintessentially British about a picnic - whether it's blazing sunshine or a stubborn grey sky. "We'll still lay out the blanket, unpack the homemade sandwich, break off some chocolate and make the best of it, as the study shows, and that sense of British comfort hits a little harder when so many of our go-to picnic treats come from brands that are part of Britain's heritage too." The study also revealed that more than half of Brits are more likely to purchase food and beverages when they know these products are manufactured in Britain, with one-third routinely examining the packaging to confirm its origin before making a purchase. The main reasons for purchasing British products focus on product quality, strengthening the economy and backing local jobs. A spokesperson for Nestlé commented to say: "It just proves that for many of us, summer picnics are about feeling connected - to our favourite memories, our national quirks and everything the British summer season has to offer. "What makes those moments even more special is the familiar food and drink that brings it all together. There's a real sense of pride in choosing British-made products that have been part of our summer traditions for generations. "Many of the treats we reach for in those moments are made right here in Britain – something the research shows us people are especially proud of.
