ATHENS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Greek tugboats were towing a Russian naval vessel, identified as the PM-138, on Monday afternoon after the ship issued a distress signal earlier in the day.

    According to an announcement by the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry, the vessel's crew is comprised of 106 officers and sailors. The ministry added all crew-members are safe and that there is no danger of the vessel sinking.

    The vessel reportedly faltered in rough seas due to engine failure.

    The Russian naval vessel issues a distress call in Aegean Sea while sailing some 13 nautical miles northwest of the island of Ikaria in the eastern Aegean earlier Monday. The Greek authority sent two Super-Puma all-weather helicopters and a Greek navy frigate immediately to the area.

    A raging snow storm that blanketed most of Greece over the weekend also continued into the early hours of Monday, plunging the country into sub-zero temperatures.

    Public transportation were at a standstill on Monday in the wider Athens area, while ships remained in ports, and public services and schools remained closed in the more severely-stricken prefectures.