THE remains of three people discovered on the wreck of the trawler Gaul have been identified nearly three decades after the vessel sank mysteriously off the coast of Norway, it has been revealed.

But the coroner has yet to decide on the sensitive issue of when to name the victims, whose DNA was cross-matched with family members.

The news comes months after what were believed to be the remains of six people were found on the vessel 70 miles off Norway, where it sank in February 1974 in unexplained circumstances. The Gaul had a crew of 36, including six North-East men.

Claims have persisted that the trawler was involved in espionage and that the Soviet Union might have been responsible for its sinking.

Hull lawyer Barry Tindall, who is acting for the families, said last night: "The forensic team last month told the coroner they had identified the remains of three people, but that it was an interim report and they may well identify further remains.

"The coroner said he was minded not to release the names until the report was finalised, but said he would take representations from the families over what they wanted to do."

Mr Tindall said family members had now been balloted and a meeting was being held with the Hull coroner last night to discuss the way ahead.

Aubrey Bowles, whose brother, Ronald, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, was a member of the crew, said: "There are families who want to know straight away, while others want to wait until the full results are clear before any names are released."

An inquest will be opened, but is likely to be adjourned to await the outcome of a public inquiry scheduled for the summer.