Tanker owners in talks with pirates

The Saudi owners of the Sirius Star are reportedly negotiating with pirate hijackers despite pleas from British and Saudi governments not to pay the ransom.

Chief engineer Peter French, from County Durham, and second officer James Grady, from Strathclyde are among 25 people being held on the ship.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said payments were, "only an encouragement to further hostage-taking". His Saudi counterpart Prince Saud Al-Faisal said owners Vela International are in talks with the pirates.

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