Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to file a lawsuit to seek the fine of USD6.5 million imposed on two vessels that ran aground on the reefs of Fushi Dhiggaru, Kaafu Atoll.
The fine was imposed on a barge called Mutha Grace and a tug boat called Mutha Royal, that ran aground near Fushi Dhiggaru on December 27, 2015. The two vessels were refloated on March 19, 2017.
As per a survey conducted by EPA, 4,370sqm of the reef were damaged due to the incident. In September 2018, the local agent of the two vessels, Mainland Shipping Private Limited was asked to pay USD6.5 million as the fine for the damages within 30 days. However, the fine has still not been paid.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General of EPA Ibrahim Naeem said the agency is gathering the relevant documents to file a lawsuit to seek the fine. Naeem said this fine remains the only fine yet to be paid among all fines imposed within the last three years.
Last year, EPA fined two vessels that ran aground near Rasfari, Kaafu Atoll and Noomara, Shaviyani Atoll respectively. EPA said both fines have been paid.