Yacht fined MVR 4.8 million for reef damage in ADh. Atoll

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a fine of MVR 4.8 million on Temple Marine Ltd for environmental damage caused by a yacht that ran aground on a reef in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll earlier this year.

According to the EPA, the yacht MY Big Fish, which entered Maldivian waters under Seal Maldives Yacht Support and represented locally by Temple Marine Ltd, ran aground on April 28 and rescued the following day.

A joint environmental assessment was carried out on June 4, involving EPA officials and surveyors appointed by the vessel's owner. The survey revealed that approximately 187 square meters of reef had been severely damaged or destroyed as a result of the incident.

As a result, the EPA has fined Temple Marine Ltd under the Environmental Damage Penalties and Compensation Regulations, with the penalty issued on Monday.

The company has been granted 30 days to settle the fine.