The wreck of the trawler was discovered in 1997

The hearing was scheduled to take place in June but could now be delayed to as late as January next year - just a month before the 30th anniversary of the sinking.

The Gaul went down in the Barents Sea off northern Norway with all 36 hands in February 1974.

Since then relatives of the dead crew have campaigned for an investigation into the sinking.

The wreck was only discovered in 1997 and a survey last summer found human remains on board.

DNA testing was used to identify the remains of Hull crew member Stan Collier.

The full survey findings were expected to be revealed at a public inquiry.

But solicitors acting on behalf of some of the families involved have requested the postponement to allow further tests to be carried out.