Malé, Maldives – The Environment Ministry states that Navio Amaryllis that crashed into protected Rasfari reef causing major damage will only be allowed to leave Maldives after paying MVR 109 million in fines.
Local news Voice reports that the Ministry stated that the cargo liner must pay the highest amount that can be charged as a fine for damages to the environment under the law of Maldives, MVR 100 million in fines and an additional MVR 9 million as a deposit. In addition, the owner must submit documents stating that the company will take responsibility for damages after a full assessment is complete.
On August 19, cargo ship Navio Amaryllis en route to South Africa from Tuticorin, India, via innocent passage, crashed into the reef of K. Rasfari. The ship, 189.99 meters (623.23 feet) long with a carrying capacity of 58,735 tons, crashed into the reef due to engine failure according to MNDF.
The cargo ship was refloated from the reef on 29 August 2021 and is now anchored at the Ports Limited area. The Maldives Transport Authority states that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maldives Coast Guard will start environmental damage assessment caused by the ship as per protocol.
While a similar statement was made by EPA previously, the statement garnered criticism from the public since the Rasfari reef is a major tourist attraction known for its natural beauty, is within an environmentally protected region.
