Twenty-eight-year-old skipper Conrad John Zych has been charged with causing the deaths of his two crewmembers, Donal Gibson, 22, and Conor Bogues, 24.

The three men were off the County Down coast near Ardglass, in 2006, when their fishing vessel, Greenhill, sank after hitting rocks. Zych, an Ardglass local, was the only survivor, while of the two deceased, only Gibson’s body was found.

Further charges include neglecting his lookout duties, which the Marine Accident Investigation Branch claim played a significant role in the sinking.

Zych has been released on bail and will appear in court next month.