Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking a third party to restore the Rasfari reef following damages caused by a cargo ship that ran aground on August 19, 2021.
EPA stated that all expenses are paid by the ship for the damages caused to the Rasfari reef in Kaafu Atoll. EPA said it is the first time a ship that had caused damage to a reef in the Maldives had offered to restore the damages. EPA also invited local and international companies and non-profit organisations (NGOs) to express their interest in restoring the reef before January 26. The restoration is expected to start in 2024.
The cargo ship, MV Navios Amaryllis, was fined USD 10 million for the damages it caused to Rasfari reef, after running aground last year. The ship was travelling from Tuticorin, India, to a port in South Africa. Following an investigation into the incident, EPA and other local authorities revealed the ship ran aground after its engine was shut off due to overheating. Authorities stated the captain of the ship had not taken the necessary action to save the reef after the grounding and had not informed the relevant authorities about the incident. As such, authorities revealed the incident was reported by the public, rather than the ship itself.
Rasfari is a popular diving spot for tourists due to its natural beauty and was declared a protected area in 1995.