The company that owns the ship that ran aground near Rasfari, Kaafu Atoll on August 19 has paid a fine of USD 10 million to the state for the damages it caused to the Rasfari reef.
The cargo ship, MV Navios Amaryllis, ran aground near Rasfari on August 19, while travelling from Tuticorin, India to a port in South Africa. Following an investigation into the incident, EPA and other local authorities revealed the ship ran aground after its engine was shut off due to overheating. Authorities stated the captain of the ship had not taken the necessary action to save the reef of Rasfari after the grounding, and had not informed the relevant authorities about the incident. As such, authorities revealed the incident was reported by the public, rather than the ship itself.
The company operating the ship had submitted an appeal against the fine imposed by EPA. However, the appeal was rejected by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology.
Following the rejection of the appeal, the ship owner has paid a fine of USD 10 million, which includes the USD 6.5 million fine initially imposed by EPA and an additional amount required for the recovery of the reef. The fine was deposited to the public bank account of Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). The environment ministry said this is the largest fine collected under the Environmental Protection Act.
Following the payment of the fine, the government has permitted the ship to leave the Maldives.