Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed it has completed the survey of the ship which ran aground near Rasfari reef and will soon request the shipowner for a statement.
The cargo ship carrying 19 crewmen ran aground on August 19 while travelling near Rasfari after experiencing engine failure. Investigative authorities revealed the ship ran aground after its engine was shut off due to overheating and that the ship captain had not taken the necessary action to avoid damage to the reef after the grounding.
The authorities also stated the ship captain had not informed the relevant authorities after the incident, and that the incident was reported by the public. Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) refloated the ship on August 29.
Director-General of EPA Ibrahim Naeem said the agency has completed its survey and is now assessing the amount to be fined for damages. He said the maximum penalty is a USD 6.5 million fine and that the ship and crewmen will be able to leave immediately if their insurance company or agent transfer the amount to a security deposit. He also said the EPA will request the shipowner to provide a statement after the agency determines the amount to be fined.
The cargo ship ran aground near Rasfari while travelling from Tuticorin, India to a port in South Africa. The ship had been carrying 1,200 tonnes of low sulfur intermediate fuel oil and 80 tonnes of low sulfur marine gas oil.
EPA stated the incident has caused serious harm to the environment and highlighted the ship had run aground inside a protected area.