The European Union Naval Force says that pirates have abandoned a French-flagged ship they had attacked.

The EU Naval Force said Wednesday that the pirates couldn't get control of the Maido because the crew had locked itself in a safe room. The attack took place Tuesday about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Tanzania.

The Maido is a liquefied petroleum gas carrier. Its 14 crew are reported to be safe.

Somali pirates hold more than a dozen ships and hundreds of crew members. The ships and crew are usually released unharmed after a ransom has been paid.

Somalia hasn't had a fully functioning government since 1991, which has made it difficult to curb the attacks.