bill after a second American law firm announced it is to sue the company.

New York based attorneys Clark, Gagliardi and Miller filed the claim yesterday on behalf of 11 clients.

All plaintiffs became violently ill after staying at the Marriott Castle Harbour Hotel in Tuckers Town two months ago.

More than 400 guests were struck down by a mystery bug after the hotel's water supply was contaminated by sewage from a leaking pipe.

Last night the firm said it had filed 11 suits representing more than $75 million in claims in the Southern District of New York court.

Partner Angela Giannini, who is acting on behalf of the plaintiffs, said: "Our clients went on holiday for some rest and relaxation -- that's something they just didn't get.

"When you go on holiday at the very least you expect to have pure, uncontaminated water. The claimants became seriously ill with abdominal cramping, traumatic vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.

"These symptoms continued throughout their stays, ruining their vacations and causing them grave concern for their health.

"The claim is for the alleged outrageous conduct of the Marriott. Some employees and guests had been quite ill and there was something wrong with the water supply and these clients weren't informed until afterward.

Hotel faces lawsuit "There is also a claim for emotional distress. Our clients were away from home and didn't know what illness they had. That's very alarming.'' The law firm is the second to go on the offensive against the Marriott chain.

Last month Boston-based company Arthur Levine and Associates announced it was suing the hotel for negligence and deceit. That company is representing about a dozen guests who became ill at the hotel.

The news will shock hotel bosses who last month announced they had offered compensation to all guests who became ill at the hotel.

It is understood the Marriott made a money-back based offer in the region of hundreds of dollars per customer to cover the cost of meals, room hire and some medical expenses only. It is not thought hotel bosses were prepared to pay out compensation for emotional trauma or subsequent days missed off work.

And although many local residents were prepared to accept the offer, overseas tourists seem determined to push for a bigger claim.

Last night the hotel's general manager, Mark Conklin refused to comment on the new lawsuit.

"I haven't heard anything from our corporate office and can't comment,'' he said.

Ship's Hill case adjourned: Page 5