Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a fine of USD200,953 for the environmental damages caused due to the grounding of an Indian vessel in Thilafushi Kudagiri reef in Kaafu Atoll.
The AM MSV Maria Sinthayathirai Riana ran aground the Kudagiri reef on January 31, 2022. EPA sent a team to the area in January 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 vessel.
An EPA survey showed that 130sqm of the Kudagiri reef had been severely damaged. The total amount of fines assessed and imposed is USD200,953 in accordance with Maldivian laws. Therefore, the owner of the vessel has been ordered to pay the fine within the next 30 days.