At least 21 Chinese cockle pickers perished in rising tides in Morecambe Bay because of the "gross negligence" of their gangmaster, a British court has heard.
The cocklers, all illegal immigrants, drowned because Lin Liang Ren "completely failed" to look after them, Preston Crown Court heard.
Tim Holroyde QC
The victims were part of a team of cockle pickers caught by the incoming tide off Hest Bank in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, on February 5th last year.
Tim Holroyde QC, prosecuting, told the jury of 10 women and two men: "Some managed to swim to safety or were rescued, but at least 21 were drowned. It is the prosecution case that their deaths were caused by the criminal negligence of Lin Liang Ren.
"He was the gangmaster controlling the cockle pickers, he was responsible for them and he had completely failed to take proper care for their safety as they worked in the cold and dark.
"He is, accordingly, charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of each of the 21 cockle pickers known to have drowned."
Mr Ren (29) from Liverpool, denies 21 counts of manslaughter. He also denies perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration.
His girlfriend, Zhao Xiao Qing (20) also from Liverpool denies perverting the course of justice and facilitation. Another Liverpudlian Lin Mu Yong (31), denies facilitation.
Father and son David Anthony Eden Snr (62) from Irby, Merseyside, and David Anthony Eden Jnr (34) from Prenton, Merseyside, also deny facilitation.
The trial, before Mr Justice Richard Henriques QC, is due to last between four and six months.
PA