The Ministry of Environment has declared that the Panamanian cargo boat that ran aground on to the reefs on the west side of K. Rasfari will need to deposit MVR 109 million if it wishes to depart.

It was earlier revealed that a deposit of MVR 100 million must be made if the boat wishes to depart from Maldives once refloated but prior to conclusion of survey. A huge fine was imposed for the damage caused, and in addition to that, MVR nine million is to be paid alongside with the document ensuring legal responsibility must be taken.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that the damage assessment is being dragged on due to bad weather. It was earlier revealed that EPA would commence the assessment work as soon as the vessel was refloated.

The Panamanian cargo boat, ‘Navios Amaryllis’, was refloated sooner than expected, by the end of August.

The 190-meter cargo boat from Panama ran aground in the reef on August 19. The work of dredging the boat commenced that very day. MNDF affirmed that the dredging work had been completed by Sunday afternoon, with the support of Maldives Coast Guard and other relevant bodies.

The refloating work commenced after transferring 1,226 tonnes of oil to the boat's upper tank to avoid any spill causing further damage to the ocean.

Transport Ministry’s Deputy Minister, Hamadh Abdul Ghanee, stated that it was discovered through investigation that the captain of the cargo boat played a huge role in the damage done to the reefs. This boat was travelling from India’s Tuticorin to South Africa when it had lodged on the Rasfari reef because the engine was shut off after it was at unit three and was carried with the tides.