Hurghada deaths: Everything we know about what happened to couple who died at Thomas Cook resort

It's still 'unclear' how the tragedy came about

More than 300 holidaymakers have been moved from the hotel in Hurghada where two British tourists died on Tuesday. Susan and John Cooper, who were staying in the Egyptian resort with their daughter and grandchildren, passed away within hours of each other. Here are answers to some of the key questions.

Holiday company Thomas Cook says: “The circumstances of their deaths are still unclear.” What are you hearing?

Very little of substance, which is fuelling all kinds of speculation. The most significant announcement from Thomas Cook was last night, and said: “We have also received further reports of a raised level of illness among guests.” That explains the holiday firm’s very unusual and extreme response of moving all its customers out today, either to different hotels in the resort or flying them home, which is likely to happen at around 8pm British time this evening. Thomas Cook customers who want to leave early are being flown to Manchester.

What possible causes are being discussed for these two tragic deaths?

It’s important to say that Mr and Mrs Cooper’s daughter, Kelly, said she wants to know the cause – or causes – of death. She says that her parents were fit and healthy prior to going on holiday.

Legionnaire’s Disease has been mentioned by some medical experts, and it appears that it cannot be ruled out. But there’s also a focus on the possibility that an extremely virulent illness is being spread around the hotel – but the Steigenberger remains open, and indeed you can book a room for this evening.

One possible cause appears to have been ruled out. This afternoon, Thomas Cook said: “We are aware of the speculation in some of today’s media that their deaths may have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Currently we have no evidence to support this.”

What do we know about the hotel?

The Steigenberger chain of hotels is well-regarded. It’s based in Germany but has a strong presence in Egypt, including four hotels in Hurghada. The Aqua Magic is promoted as offering “five-star fun”, and features a water park and a private beach. Thomas Cook says it was given a safety audit a month ago and received an overall score of 96 per cent.

How popular is Hurghada with British holidaymakers?

Since the ban on flights by UK airlines to Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada has become the focus of British tourism to Egypt’s Red Sea shoreline. The prohibition on flying to Sharm el Sheikh was imposed three years ago. It followed the apparent downing of a Russian charter flight by a bomb placed on board at the resort’s airport.

While Hurghada is more of a big city than Sharm el Sheikh, it’s a friendly and relaxed location, and an excellent gateway for the western side of the Red Sea.

What compensation will be offered to holidaymakers caught up in the tragedy?

There is no statutory obligation, but Thomas Cook has offered guests who want to return early a full refund. The firm has also offered those who want to stay for the remainder of the holiday in another hotel £250 per person.

Once the cause of the deaths and any related issues are established, it may be that there is some legal action.

What’s the position for people who are booked to travel to that resort?

Thomas Cook customers with advance bookings in the next four weeks to stay at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic have been offered alternative accommodation at no extra charge. The company has not decided what will happen beyond then.

Travellers who have made separate reservations have no rights to change or cancel their bookings at present.

Holidaymakers booked to other properties have no immediate options, though it is possible that Thomas Cook – and other tour operators – will offer some flexibility to people who want to switch to a different destination. The summer peak is coming to an end and so there is availability in other locations. But you cannot expect a refund.

What effect will this tragedy have on tourism to Egypt?

It won’t help the image of a nation which is very dependent on tourism, and has suffered as people have stayed away. Like other Egyptian resorts, Hurghada has seen some terrorist acts. It seems that Brits are prepared to tolerate a certain level of risk in return for great holidays and good value. Earlier in the summer, Thomas Cook said visitor numbers to Egypt had almost doubled this year compared with 2017.