MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- The European Union Naval Force says Somali pirates who took control of a cargo vessel with 14 Indian sailors on board fled after counter piracy ships from the EU and NATO responded.

The EU Naval Force says 14 Indian sailors aboard a dhow alerted officials Wednesday that their craft was under attack from 12 armed pirates. Swedish and Dutch warships responded. The pirates then steered the hijacked vessel toward the coast and abandoned it.

Somali pirates once held dozens of ships and hundreds of hostages. But the number of attacks has dropped considerably due to anti-piracy patrols and armed guards on ships.

The EU Naval Force says Somali pirates haven't hijacked a ship since May 2012. The force says pirates have attacked four ships this year, none successfully.