The "TB Mutha Princess" tugboat and "Mutha Pride" barge have failed to pay fines for environmental damages caused when the two vessels ran aground a reef near Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo in May.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined HRS Infratech, owner of the two vessels, by MVR 100 million. Both the vessels belong to MM Exports, an Indian company. HRS Infratech is a subsidiary of MM Export.
The EPA on September 19 ordered the MVR 100 million fine to be paid within 30 days.
EPA Director General Ibrahim Naeem told Adhadhu that the fine has not yet been paid and the company has requested an extension of the deadline.
EPA said the vessels ran aground on May 2 and a survey to assess damages was conducted on May 12.
The survey found that 4038 square feet of Dhidhdhoo reef had sustained damages which amounted to MVR 101 million in financial damages. But the maximum fine that can be imposed by law is MVR 100 million.
