'Experts' lead Saudi tanker talks
20 Nov 2008 18:32 GMT



Negotiations between Somali pirates and the owners of a captured Saudi tanker are being conducted by a multinational specialist firm, the BBC has learnt.

A reported figure of $$25m (£17m) for the MV Sirius Star was denied by the company, which specialises in kidnap and ransom talks, shipping sources say.

Shipping industry experts expect the ransom for the tanker, its 25 crew, and $$100m cargo of oil to be much higher.

Regional leaders at crisis talks have appealed for international help.

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