Barge fined for environmental damage runs aground again
On the second occasion, it was fined after conducting a joint survey with the owner of the vessel to investigate the damages caused to the reef by the incident.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
A barge that had been fined MVR 100 million for reef damages after it had run aground a reef at Vaavu atoll two months ago ran aground a reef again on Tuesday.
The AM Agam barge which travels with a tugboat named 'AM Alfit' of India's Elfad Marine company has run aground a reef in Male atoll. The damage caused to the reef by the barge is yet unknown.
Director General of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Ibrahim Naeem said that EPA is investigating the incident after having received news of the reef crash.
However, he said that no further details have been received so far.
Naeem added that this is the third time the barge has run aground Maldivian reefs
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The first reef it ran aground was near K. Vaagili in July; EPA reports that they are currently working on imposing a fine for the damage to the reef
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The second time was near the lagoon of V. Maagulhi, on its long journey from India, laden with sand and gravel
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On the second occasion it was fined after conducting a joint survey with the owner of the vessel to investigate the damages caused to the reef
According to the survey:
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An area of 6,054 square metres of the reef had been severely damaged
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The total amount of fines to be paid for environmental damages totalled MVR 152.56 million.
EPA said that although the value of the damages and fines amounted to MVR 152.56, a fine of MVR 100 million was imposed as it is the maximum amount that could be imposed under the regulation stipulating fines for environmental damages and compensation.
EPA said efforts were underway with the Attorney General's Office to seek compensation for the damages caused to the island through trial.
EPA has previously fined owners of large vessels for damaging the reefs in similar incidents. The owners of two vessels that ran aground the reef of K. Fushidhiggaru and the vessels that ran aground the reef of K. Rasfari were also fined the same maximum fine penalty.
