Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a USD6.5 million fine on Middle East Marine LLC for the environmental damages caused due to the grounding of Barge AM Aagam and Tug AM Alpit on Vaavedhifaru in Kaafu Atoll.
The vessels ran aground at Vaavedhdhifaru on July 23, 2022. EPA sent a team to the area in August last year to assess the damage caused to the coast and the environment. EPA also acted as an observer in the survey conducted by the owner of the vessels.
An EPA survey showed that 3,926 acres of Vaavedhdhifaru had been severely damaged. The total amount of fines assessed and imposed is nearly USD10 million. However, the highest number that can be issued as a fine is USD6.5 million in accordance with Maldivian laws. Therefore, Middle East Marine LLC has been fined USD6.5 million and has been requested to pay the fine to EPA within the next 30 days.
EPA will initiate the necessary steps with the Attorney General's Office (AGO) to seek compensation for the damage caused to the coast under the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act.