Moves are under way to create a fund to pay for the recovery of the bodies of drowned mariners.

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is considering a number of options according to a letter released by the Celtic League which has been campaigning on the issue.

The letter said the Solway Harvester's loss demonstrated the dangers to those employed in the fishing industry and the anguish suffered by the families of those lost.

It said: "The government's traditional stance, that the sea is an honourable and peaceful final resting place for those it has claimed, in part rests on the fact that it has, until comparatively recently, been difficult to locate and examine sunken vessels let alone consider recovering them and the bodies of those lost.

"It has also to be recognised that what may be possible when retrieving the bodies in relatively shallow water may not be possible either now or in the foreseeable future where the vessel is located in deeper waters.

"Entering wrecks to determine whether there are bodies on board is a hazardous operation and retrieving the bodies, if found, can be difficult and harrowing work. Success can never be assured.

Policy change possible

"In recent years the government has come under pressure to change its policy. We recognise that the wishes of the next of kin are very important and that the return of the bodies to the families is an essential part of the grieving process for them."

The letter added: "We therefore intend to explore further the options for how costs of a change in policy might be covered by a mutual insurance scheme or trust fund. I will keep you informed of progress made on this matter."

The Isle of Man government has funded - to the tune of £1m - the operation to recover the Solway Harvester.

The bodies of the seven drowned crewmen from south west Scotland have all been retrieved.

Inquest opened

The Celtic League, which aims to promote co-operation between the six Celtic "countries" of the western British Isles and Brittany, has been suggesting the establishment of a fund to recover bodies.

Secretary General Bernard Moffatt said: "Experience over 20 years involving tragedies which included Scottish, Irish, Breton, Welsh and Cornish vessels points to an overwhelming desire on the part of those directly involved to effect, if possible, the recovery of bodies for burial."

A DETR spokeswoman said: "We have been consulting on this matter but no decisions have been taken yet. We will be publishing a decision in due course."

The inquest into the deaths of the Solway Harvester's crew was officially opened on Saturday afternoon.

The bodies were formally identified and post mortems carried out on Saturday - they are expected to be released to their families to return to Scotland on Monday