Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed it has penalised the barge that ran aground near Noomaraa, Shaviyani Atoll, in 2019 with a USD 4 million fine.
The barge, Marine Power 2317, had run aground on the reef of Noomaraa in the island's anchorage area on October 26, 2019.
In a press release, EPA stated the owner of the barge has been fined USD 4 million for the damages inflicted on the reef. EPA stated that the local agent for the barge is required to pay the fine within 30 days.
The agency stated it had surveyed the reef after completely removing pieces of the barge from the area on November 16. It stated Noomaraa's anchorage area has been severely damaged following the incident, and island residents have made complaints about boats having difficulty approaching the island.
A barge of Fuel Supplies Maldives Private Limited (FSM) carrying a large quantity of fuel also ran aground on the reef of Noomara in July this year.