The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a fine of MVR 4.8 million on Temple Marine Ltd for environmental damage caused by a yacht that ran aground on a reef in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll earlier this year.
According to the EPA, the incident occurred on April 28, involving the yacht MY Big Fish, which was refloated the following day. A joint environmental assessment was conducted on 4 June, with surveyors appointed by the vessel’s owner participating in the inspection.
The survey revealed that 187 square metres of coral reef had been damaged due to the grounding.
The fine was formally issued on Monday. The EPA has instructed the yacht owner to settle the full amount within 30 days.
Although the EPA regularly fines vessels for damaging reefs, it noted that the state has only managed to collect a limited portion of these penalties to date.
