NAIROBI: The European Union's anti-piracy force says Somali pirates have abandoned an Indian-flagged dhow they had held for more than two weeks.

The EU naval force says the pirates left the Faize Osamani late Monday. They immediately boarded another ship held by fellow pirates, the British-flagged Asian Glory.

Somali pirates have been known to give up on ships they believe have no ransom value, such as vessels owned or hired by Somali traders.

The force says a coalition force ship provided medical and technical assistance to the 14-member crew of Faize Osamani before the dhow sailed to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, with its cargo of rice.

Somali pirates are currently holding several vessels and their crew hostage.