Ship that grounded on Rasfari reef requests to set sail; deposit not discussed

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said the vessel that grounded on Rasfari Reef, MV Navios Amaryllys wishes to depart from the Maldives.

The Panama-flagged bunker ran aground west of Rasfari reef on August 19. The vessel's crew cited engine failure as the cause of the incident. However, several questions have been raised regarding the course of events that led to the incident. The vessel was successfully refloated on August 29, and remains detained in the Maldives. EPA has previously said the vessel's owners have been given the option to pay a deposit of MVR 100 million, which would allow the vessel to depart from the Maldives before investigation is concluded. 

When asked regarding the vessel, EPA's Director, Riffath Naeem said the incident is still being investigated. He said that the vessel's owners have informed the Transport Ministry that they wish for the vessel to set sail for Panama, where it will undergo repairs for damages caused to the vessel as a result of running aground. Riffath said the boat's owners have not discussed the deposit payment with EPA to date.