The wreck of the Gaul was found in August 1997

Solicitors acting for the families say it is unlikely that DNA tests on remains found on the wreck of the Gaul, which sank off Norway in 1974 with the loss of 36 crew, will prove conclusive.

Rumours persist that the trawler was torpedoed and crew members captured by the Soviet navy at the height of the Cold War.

The wreck, in the Barents Sea, was discovered in August 1997 and divers brought human remains to the surface in July last year.

Larger bones

Barry Tindall, of Hull-based solicitors the Max Gold Partnership, who are acting for the families of 34 crew members, said the results of the DNA tests are due in days.

"I would think that the report is going to say one of two things," he said.

"One, there's a lot of bones that have been brought back which they couldn't get samples from because DNA can only be obtained from larger bones.

"The other possibility is that they have got DNA but cannot match it with the samples families have provided."

A second inquiry into the sinking of the Gaul, ordered by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott following the discovery of of the wreck, is due to open in January next year.

An inquest into the deaths of the men whose remains have been identified will open in Hull next week.