I am curious about two aspects of the seizure of the Sirius Star tanker (Tanker owners in talks with Somali pirates', November 21).

She sails under the Liberian flag. I haven't heard any mention of what Liberia is prepared to do over the seizure of one of "its" vessels. But the thing that really intrigues me is the payment of the ransom. Richard Turpin just told his victims to stand and deliver, this lot must be a bit more sophisticated.

Does a representative of the owners arrive with a very large suitcase stuffed with cash?

Remember, pirates do not take credit cards. Or does a member of our esteemed global banking fraternity facilitate the cash transfer?

Surely governments should be able to trace and stop such transactions.

George Smith, Birny Hill Court, Clydebank.