NEW YORK (AP) – The captain of a Staten Island ferry that killed 11 people in October wants the city to pay $250,000 for his legal fees.

Michael Gansas filed a notice of claim with the city this week declaring his intent to sue for the money. New York generally defends employees against legal actions that stem from their role as municipal workers.

He incurred the legal expenses defending himself against a victims’ lawsuit and subpoenas from investigating agencies including the National Transportation Safety Board, according to the notice of claim.

Mayoral spokesman Edward Skyler said it was “beyond outrageous” that Gansas was asking taxpayers to pay his legal fees after he refused to cooperate.

AP-ES-01-17-04 0652EST