The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the owner of a luxury yacht more than MVR 4.8 million for damaging a reef in Maldivian waters earlier this year.
The 45-metre yacht MY Big Fish ran aground on a reef on 28 April 2025 and was pulled off the following day.
Following a site assessment conducted in June, the EPA said that approximately 187 acres of reef were damaged as a result of the incident.
As compensation for the environmental damage, the EPA has imposed a fine of MVR 4,889,450 – equivalent to USD 317,085 – on the yacht’s registered owner, Temple Marine Ltd. The company has been given 30 days to settle the fine.
Big Fish, which was previously owned by an Australian businessman, is also available for charter at rates of around USD 275,000 per week.