Families of the crew who lost their lives on the Solway Harvester are considering their next move after the conclusion of the inquest into the tragedy.

Although an "accidental death" verdict was recorded at Douglas courthouse on Saturday, conflicting evidence meant the precise reason for the sinking could not be established with certainty.

A number of serious safety flaws on board were highlighted and, in urging safety recommendations to be rigorously implemented in an bid to avert another tragedy, coroner Michael Moyle criticised vessel owner Richard Gidney for his reluctance to testify at the inquest.

Mr Gidney could now be sued in the civil courts by relatives of the victims.

Journalist Mike McKenzie, who has followed the tragedy from the first day, believes a number of family members will now pursue claims.

He told Manx Radio:

"The initial writs were put into the Court of Session within the three year period when the vessel went down in 2000.

"Then were then "assisted" which lets them lie until a time when they can be reinstituted.

"I would say they will probably now be revived, because of the evidence - the faulty pumps, the water tight integrity of the vessel where the scuttles were missing off the deck."