Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated the ship grounded near Rasfari reef and its crewmen will be allowed to leave after paying the fine.
Director-General of EPA Ibrahim Naeem said the maximum penalty is a USD 6.5 million fine but the exact amount can only be determined after an assessment is made after the ship is refloated. Naeem said the ship and crewmen will be able to leave immediately if their insurance company or agent transfer USD 6.5 million to a security deposit. The government will withdraw the necessary amount from the security deposit once EPA determines the fine payment, and transfer the remaining amount to the ship's owner, said Naeem adding the assessment of damages to the environment will take some time to complete.
The cargo ship carrying 19 crewmen ran aground on August 19 while travelling near Rasfari after experiencing engine failure.
Investigative authorities revealed the ship ran aground after its engine was shut off due to overheating and that the ship captain had not taken the necessary action to avoid damage to the reef after the grounding.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said the ship was refloated with assistance from other government entities on August 29.