The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has established that several weathertight hatches and doors were open at the time the Sapphire capsized off the north-east coast of Scotland.

The trawler sank rapidly in rough weather as it returned to Peterhead harbour in October of last year.

As a result of the ongoing inquiry, the MAIB issued a safety bulletin to all skippers warning them to ensure weathertight hatches are secured even in calm conditions.

A second safety bulletin blamed inadequate maintenance for the failure of the Sapphire's emergency positioning radio beacon.

Investigators found it failed when the Sapphire sank 12 miles off the Peterhead coast because a vital part of the beacon - the hydrostatic release unit - had been painted over. The unit was also six months overdue for replacement.

Sole survivor

The only survivor of the tragedy was skipper Victor Robertson who escaped through the wheelhouse window. His dead crew were later found near the wheelhouse and in the accommodation area after the wreck was raised.

The families of the dead men began an appeal to raise £500,000 after the Government refused to finance the recovery of the bodies of Victor Podlesny, Adam Stephen, Robert Stephen and Bruce Cameron.

Shipping minister Glenda Jackson and Prime Minister Tony Blair came in for harsh criticism from the men's widows for the decision. The Government has pledged to review the Government's policy on wreck raising.