Lawyers representing the victims of last year's Valentine's Day sick-bug outbreak at the Marriott Hotel are returning to Bermuda to press ahead with legal claims.

Managers at the Castle Harbour resort are already facing a compensation bill of around $75 million to pay off guests who were struck down during last year's Valentine's weekend.

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

Many were ill for for up to 48 hours, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea prompting early speculation the outbreak could have been a flu bug.

Now hotel staff and managers face being subpoenaed by US lawyers preparing for pre-trial statements in April.

The "depositions'' hearings are being lined up for the offices of Hector Dwyer Associates on Church Street, Hamilton.

And they will involve taking statements from several witnesses, including hotel bosses and guests.

Boston-based lawyer Arthur Levine, who represents more than 20 clients, said: "The proceedings are on-going and we are in the process of trying to agree on dates with the lawyers from the Marriott to come down to Bermuda and conduct depositions with the major players who are down there.

"That will involve witnesses coming to the offices with their own lawyers and answering questions under oath.

"We're hoping that can take place in April and we do have counsel on the Island who we have been speaking to about helping us.

"Hector Dwyer Associates are already co-operating with us in this regard.'' Marriott are represented by Boston-based law firm Sloane and Walsh.

But the hotel's operations manager David Abraham is unavailable for comment and has not returned numerous calls to The Royal Gazette .

Mr. Levine added: "Our clients are appealing for compensation for their out-of-pocket expenses plus whatever is reasonable compensation for the pain, suffering and aggravation they went through.'' Marriott managers did give compensation to guests who were able to show a valid receipt.

But Mr. Levine said: "Some of them may have received something nominal but it clearly wasn't enough for their pain and suffering.'' Illinois lawyer Ralph Hruby said he had just been given leave to file a suit directly against the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort's owners, Bermuda Properties Ltd.

BPL own the grounds and the buildings, but Marriott International actually run the hotel. BPL's General Manager Peter Parker is also unavailable for comment.

Mr. Hruby, representing one client but appealing for a "class action'' to represent others, said: "We are far from the depositions point at this stage.

"But it's been like pulling teeth just trying to get basic information for us. The Marriott corporation say it's nothing to do with them, even though they run the hotel.

"The latest real development in our case is that we have been given leave to file suit against the resort itself and those papers are on their way to being served there in Bermuda.'' Hector Dwyer Associates partner Dennis Dwyer said: "Mr. Levine has informed us he hopes to take depositions down here in April and I will be looking after things from this side, although a final date has yet to be arranged.'' TOURISM TOU