The salvage attempt is likely to be hampered by bad weather

The salvage vessel Discovery is in Falmouth to raise the Bugaled Breizh, which investigators believe could have sunk after being rammed.

The crew's families hope raising the trawler will reveal clues about another ship which may have been involved.

Divers will also be searching for the bodies of three of the crew.

'Violent' collision

It was initially thought bad weather was to blame when the fishing boat went down about 19 miles off the Lizard on 15 January.

But a French prosecutor claims photographs taken of the vessel suggest it may have been involved in a "violent" collision with a container ship.

The families, who have accused the French government of dragging their feet over the investigation, say the �1m cost of the salvage operation will be money well spent if it helps find the culprits.

Further careful investigations will be carried out by divers before any attempt is made to refloat the vessel.

The salvage operation is likely to be hampered by poor weather conditions over the next few days.