- Salvage Ship Giant Deployed Following Sinking of Greek-Operated Vessels.
- Greek Tug Giant to Support Red Sea Seafarers Amid Rising Threats.
- Giant to Aid Maritime Rescues After Houthi Attacks on Greek Ships.
Greece is sending the salvage vessel Giant to the Red Sea to offer emergency maritime support after recent attacks on two cargo ships operated by Greek interests. This decision was shared by Shipping and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias during his visit to the port of Piraeus, where the Giant is currently docked, reports Marine Insight.
Response to Attacks on Greek-Operated Ships
Earlier this month, two Greek-operated vessels flying the Liberian flag were attacked and sank off the coast of Yemen. These assaults were carried out by Houthi rebels backed by Iran.
Fortunately, all crew members from one of the vessels were rescued by a passing ship. However, the situation was much graver for the other: ten crew members were saved through a private operation, five are feared dead, and ten are believed to be in the hands of the Houthis. At the time, the EU’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, had no vessels in the vicinity.
The Role of the Salvage Vessel Giant
The Giant will be deployed by the Hellenic Association of Tugboat Owners, Salvage Vessels, and Anti-Pollution Units, in collaboration with the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy. The aim is to assist and protect Greek-owned ships and their crews operating in the Red Sea.
Minister Kikilias emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring the safety of seafarers, enhancing maritime safety, and addressing marine pollution—key objectives of the ministry.
Urgency Highlighted by Association President
Pavlos Xiradakis, President of the Association, highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea, noting that there are currently no other salvage vessels operating in the area. He recalled a previous incident where a Greek tug successfully rescued the vessel Sounion, as no other organisation was willing to enter the high-risk zone.
Xiradakis expressed gratitude to the minister for his ongoing support and emphasised that the Giant is one of the largest and most capable rescue vessels in the world.
Specifications and Capabilities of the Giant
- Power and Towing: This powerhouse boasts four engines that churn out a whopping 16,000 horsepower, paired with two robust propellers, giving it an impressive pulling force of 180 tons.
- Firefighting: With Level 2 firefighting capabilities, it can unleash a staggering 7,200 m³ of water every hour, reaching up to 200 meters—perfect for tackling large vessel fires.
- Crew and Facilities: The ship is manned by a dedicated team of 14 Greek seafarers. It’s well-equipped with a hospital, diving gear, rescue accommodations for up to 40 people, and even space for a helicopter winch.
- Operational Readiness: This vessel is ready to tackle oil spills, lift wrecks, provide power support for damaged ships, and conduct advanced search and rescue missions.
Certified by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), it’s built to brave extreme weather conditions.
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Source: Marine Insight
