Former soldier sues security firm over superyacht injury claim
A former British soldier is suing for damages exceeding £200,000 after sustaining severe injuries in a workplace accident aboard a superyacht.
Sam Gumble, 38, was employed as an armed security officer on the 107-metre vessel Mar (formerly called Lana) when he was injured by a high-pressure jet of water from a burst pipe. The incident occurred in March 2022 while the yacht was sailing from Oman to Saudi Arabia in time for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
It’s understood Gumble, who has served in both the British Army and the French Foreign Legion, was hired by Veritas International Consultancy to provide security against potential Somali pirate threats. The superyacht, previously chartered by high-profile individuals including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Beyoncé, was at risk of hijacking as it navigated the Gulf of Aden.
Gumble’s accident occurred just hours after departing Oman when an alarm sounded, prompting him to leave his cabin. Upon opening the door, he encountered water gushing from the hall ceiling. Believing the yacht was sinking, he attempted to escape but slipped in ankle-deep water and became trapped under the force of the water jet, which heavily battered his shoulder.
The claim submitted to the High Court says he ultimately suffered a fracture dislocation, a massive rotator cuff tear, tendon damage and severe bruising. He has since undergone corrective surgery and continues to experience pain, restricted movement and a lack of strength, limiting his ability to work. He has also been advised that he may develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis, according to Essex Live.
Gumble is now pursuing legal action against Veritas International Consultancy, the security firm that hired him. His claim alleges negligence, including failure to provide information on the alarm’s cause, a lack of a safe evacuation route, inadequate emergency drill training and the absence of a safety officer. He further contends that Veritas did not conduct a proper risk assessment, which allowed him to work in hazardous conditions alongside untrained colleagues.
On board Lana, before it was renamed Mar. Image courtesy of Benetti/Imperial.
At the time of the incident, the yacht was managed by Imperial Yachts, which ceased commercial activities after being sanctioned later in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Veritas International Consultancy has denied liability, arguing that Gumble’s employment contract was arranged through Global Maritime Recruitment Solutions, making them responsible for any claims. The company also asserts that Gumble received a full vessel safety briefing and that ultimate responsibility for onboard safety rests with the yacht’s captain.
Veritas has requested strict proof regarding the extent of Gumble’s injuries and his claims of being disadvantaged in the job market. The case is expected to proceed in the High Court, with Veritas defending against the claims.
The vessel, originally delivered in 2020 and once owned by Russian oligarch Alexander Vershavsky, is now reportedly owned by Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed al Nahyan, a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Lana was renamed Mar in mid-2023 amid rumours of the sale. The yacht is no longer available to charter.
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