Maldives Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has slammed a hefty fine of MVR 100 million on Mainland Shipping Private Limited for damages sustained on a local reef.
Nearly two years back a tug-boat (Muthaa Royal) and barge (Muthaa Grace) under the company's fleet and management capsized on the reef of Fushi Dhiggaru - an island situated in the capital city's atoll.
The capsizing of the two vessels had subsequent damage to the island's reef according to the environment agency.
According to EPA several days elapsed before the vessels were righted - while both the tug and barge capsized in December 2015, the former was righted last year and the latter took three months before it was righted.
Mainland Shipping was notified of the fine from EPA on March 14, 2018 explaining the damages. The environment agency has commanded to settle the fine within a one month period.
EPA claims a survey post vessels righting was conducted to evaluate the damage sustained on the reef and it had found a 4,370 square meter area was affected by the incident.
