A barge that ran aground on a reef in V. atoll has been fined MVR 100 million.
The barge, AM Agam, ran aground while en route to Rakeedhoo island from India. The barge was traveling with a tugboat named AM Alpit.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday said the barge owner had been fined MVR 100 million under the Environmental Damage and Compensation Act.
The EPA said an area of 6,054 square meters was significantly damaged in the incident. Although the damage to the reef is estimated at MVR 152.5 million, the maximum fine that can be imposed under the relevant laws is MVR 100 million.
The barge's Maldivian agent, Mainland Shipping Pvt Ltd, has been given 30 days to pay the fine. EPA added that it is working with the Attorney General's Office to seek compensation for the damage caused to the reef through the courts.
