Greece to Send Salvage Ship to Red Sea After Houthi Attacks
Greek shipping minister announces deployment of salvage vessel to assist in maritime accidents and protect seafarers after recent attacks on Greek vessels by Yemen's Houthi militants.
Greece will deploy a salvage vessel in the Red Sea to assist in maritime accidents, support Greek-owned vessels, and protect seafarers, following attacks on two Greek vessels by Yemen’s Houthi militants this month.
Two Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, sank off Yemen after being targeted repeatedly by the Iran-aligned militant group.
These strikes marked a resurgence of Houthi attacks on shipping, with over 100 ships targeted between November 2023 and December 2024 as part of their show of solidarity with Palestinians in the war in Gaza.
Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated that the salvage vessel, named Giant and provided by the Hellenic Association of Tugboat Owners, will aid Greek-owned vessels and seafarers.
The rescue efforts for the crews of both ships highlight the urgency and challenges posed by these attacks.
While some crew members were successfully rescued, others remain unaccounted for or under the suspected custody of the Houthis.
In response to these incidents, Greece's decision reflects a strategic move to bolster maritime security in an area crucial to global shipping, despite the lack of assets from the European Union naval mission, Aspides, present at the time.
The Giant salvage vessel is equipped with 14 Greek sailors, four engines totaling 16,000 horsepower, and can operate under adverse weather conditions.
It is designed for search and rescue operations, accommodating up to 40 people, preventing marine pollution, and includes firefighting capabilities.
Two Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, sank off Yemen after being targeted repeatedly by the Iran-aligned militant group.
These strikes marked a resurgence of Houthi attacks on shipping, with over 100 ships targeted between November 2023 and December 2024 as part of their show of solidarity with Palestinians in the war in Gaza.
Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated that the salvage vessel, named Giant and provided by the Hellenic Association of Tugboat Owners, will aid Greek-owned vessels and seafarers.
The rescue efforts for the crews of both ships highlight the urgency and challenges posed by these attacks.
While some crew members were successfully rescued, others remain unaccounted for or under the suspected custody of the Houthis.
In response to these incidents, Greece's decision reflects a strategic move to bolster maritime security in an area crucial to global shipping, despite the lack of assets from the European Union naval mission, Aspides, present at the time.
The Giant salvage vessel is equipped with 14 Greek sailors, four engines totaling 16,000 horsepower, and can operate under adverse weather conditions.
It is designed for search and rescue operations, accommodating up to 40 people, preventing marine pollution, and includes firefighting capabilities.
