The operator of the tug boat and barge that ran aground Hulhumale’ reef on February 21st has been fined by MVR 29 million.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said today that 1,159 acres of coastline was damaged when the tug boat ‘Anadi’ and the barge ‘AM Manumit’ ran aground on the north reef of Hulhumale’ on February 21st. The vessels were removed from the reef on April 23rd. Both vessels were operated by Dubai based company, The Middle East Marine, LLC.

Based on the results of the joint survey conducted by the EPA with surveyors appointed by the owner of the vessels to assess the damage to the reef, the EPA has imposed a fine of MVR 29,201,946 on the owner of the vessels under the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Act.

The EPA has given 30 days to pay the fine from the first day of this month.