When you are mega wealthy and own superyachts and sports teams people tend to get a little green with envy, but you’re really not helping your cause when you cause large-scale damage to protected reefs in the Cayman Islands region.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is in hot water due to the anchor chain of his 300-foot (91 metre) yacht creating havoc. Here’s more from Mashable:

…almost 14,000-square-feet of coral reef in the West Bay replenishment zone was destroyed by the yacht, named Tatoosh, confirmed by an in-water survey recently conducted by divers for the Department of Environment.

The Department of Environment reports that Allen was not on board the yacht when the damage occurred two weeks ago. A department representative [said] that fines for the damage could total $600,000 with additional civil damages possibly added to that.

An initial statement…by Vulcan, Allen’s company, claimed, “Media reports are greatly exaggerated.”

Vulcan then really came out swinging with their official public statement:

Vulcan Inc. and Paul G. Allen have a long history of responsible exploration and a commitment to ocean conservation.

On January 14, 2016, M/V Tatoosh was moored in a position explicitly directed by the local Port Authority. When its crew was alerted by a diver that her anchor chain may have impacted coral in the area, the crew promptly, and on their own accord, relocated their position to ensure the reef was protected. Vulcan and the ship’s crew are actively and cooperatively working with local authorities to determine the details of what happened. An investigation by local authorities is ongoing.

Through his longtime philanthropic and scientific endeavors, Paul G. Allen is a global leader in supporting ocean health. Last year, he announced support for cutting-edge research designed to stabilize and restore coral reefs.

Ah, so the port authority is to blame of course. It’s not easy being a multi-billionaire when everyone gangs up against you – shem.

[source:mashable]