The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) penalized a bulk carrier MVR 100 million for damages after it went aground on a protected reef in August, and the agency is seeking a total of MVR 890 million in compensation.
The EPA noted in a statement issued on Wednesday that the agency had ordered the ship’s local agent, Antrac Holding Private Limited, to pay the fine within 30 days of October 25.
According to the agency, a joint survey with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) after the ship was refloated revealed that the event destroyed an 8,867-squaremeter section of the reef, with the damages assessed at MVR 893 million.
However, a fine of more than MVR 100 million is not allowed under the country’s environmental protection rules, therefore the fine amount was reduced to MVR 100 million.
The EPA also stated that it is collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office to pursue compensation through the courts.
The bulk carrier, Navios Amaryllis, travelling from Tuticorin, India, to South Africa ran aground on the reef west of Rasfari, Kaafu Atoll, on August 19. Authorities informed that the ship was refloated after 10 days on August 29.
The ship’s third engine unit was shut down owing to high temperatures, according to authorities, causing it to be thrown adrift in open water and eventually run aground.
