Cargo vessel stuck on Thilafushi reef pays reduced fine, departs from Maldives

The cargo vessel that ran aground on Thilafushi reef in December 2014 has paid the fine to the Maldivian authorities – which was lowered from MVR 22 million to MVR 2.8 million - and departed from the Maldives.

The boat caused damage to about 500 sq meters on the reef, and was initially fined MVR 22 million by Transport Authority.

Chairman of Transport Authority Abdul Rasheed Nafiz told Sun Online that the vessel departed on Friday after paying the reduced fine of $174,290 (roughly MVR 2.8 million).

He said that the fine was reduced following a request by the vessel owner, after discussion by officials of Transport Authority and Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Nafiz further said that the committee, consisting of officials of Transport Authority and Environment Ministry, agreed to reduce the fine because the exact fine to be levied in such situations is not prescribed in the law, and that the law states that the amount should be determined through discussion within the committee.