The boat sank in rough seas off the coast of the Isle of Man in January 2000 claiming the lives of skipper Andrew Craig Mills, 29, David Mills, 18, Robin Mills, 33, Martin Hugh Milligan, 26, John Doyle Murphy, 22, Wesley John Jolly and David Joseph Lyons, both 17.

The tragedy devastated the close-knit fishing community in the Isle of Whithorn.

The inquest opened after the Manx Government paid £1 million to recover the bodies and the vessel from the seabed, but was adjourned for legal proceedings.

Mr Gidney stood trial for manslaughter of the crew in 2005 but the case collapsed after the court ruled there was no case to answer.

When the inquest resumed in November 2006 he refused to attend.

A petition from Coroner Michael Moyle submitted to the Court of Session in Edinburgh asking for help to obtain Mr Gidney's evidence was granted on February 15 this year.

Last month representatives from the Scottish Sheriff's Office in Edinburgh boarded the wreck, which remains in Douglas harbour.

On Wednesday it was announced that Sheriff Principal Lockhart, the Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, had set the initial date for the commencement of the proceedings.

It is understood an order has been served on Mr Gidney in a bid to get him to attend.

Procedural issues will be dealt with on June 9 with the hearing scheduled to run from June 23 to 27.

The matter will be heard at Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court in Scotland.