Greece has deployed the tug Giant to the Red Sea to support Greek-owned ships following recent Houthi rebel attacks, reported Athens' Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy.

The move comes after the sinking of two Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, off Yemen's coast in Houthi strikes.

Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias said Giant, provided by the Hellenic Association of Tugboat Owners, would support and protect Greek vessels and crews.

The tug is crewed by 14 Greek sailors and powered by four engines delivering 16??00 horsepower, enabling operation in harsh weather.

Certified by an IACS-recognised classification body, Giant is equipped for rescue, towing, firefighting, anti-pollution tasks and emergency care. It can house 40 people, provide medical support and offer helicopter assistance. Its firefighting system pumps up to 7,200 cubic metres of water per hour, and it can deliver emergency power to disabled vessels.

The Hellenic Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy governs Greek maritime safety, fleet policy and emergency response, while the Hellenic Association of Tugboat Owners oversees salvage and towing operations under Greek maritime law.

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