Heroine of ferry crash to sue New York City

A Welsh nurse who was hailed as a heroine after saving the life of a fellow passenger in the Staten Island ferry disaster last year is suing New York City for $10m (£5.4m), claiming emotional distress.

Kerry Griffiths, who was aboard the Andrew J Barbieri when it smashed into a dock at full speed after crossing from lower Manhattan to Staten Island on 15 October, has hired the US law firm of Johnnie Cochran, the lawyer who defended OJ Simpson.

Ms Griffith's lawsuit has provoked shock and dismay in the city. Ed Skyler, a spokesman for Michael Bloomberg, the city's mayor, said: "I thought she was a good Samaritan, not a greedy Samaritan."

About 153 people have filed claims reaching $2.8bn against the city over the accident, which killed 11 passengers.

Ms Griffiths, 34, was described as an angel of mercy when it emerged a few days after the accident that she had rushed to help a man whose legs had been sliced off in the crash. She stanched the flow of blood which otherwise would have been fatal.

Paul Esposito, the passenger she helped, has supported her even as controversy has erupted over her damages claim. The waiter said: "I think she's entitled to it." Mr Espositio, 24, has also turned to Mr Cochran's firm and is suing the city for $300m. His legs were amputated below the knees.

Derek Sells, Ms Griffith's lawyer, said: "It's been very difficult for her.There's been crying. She's been hit really hard."

Mr Sells said that Ms Griffiths, who was on holiday at the time of the tragedy, has been forced to give up her job as a paediatric nurse due to severe stress.