More than 80% of coral reefs in the Cayman Islands, an area declared protected for past 30 years, were destroyed by a huge luxury yacht on January 14. The yacht belonged to Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, who was not on board during incident.

The damage came to notice when a diver alerted the crew that anchor chain had been destroying the reefs, the area under damage was nearly 14,000 square feet that accounts for 1,300 square meters. Corals are necessary for the marine life.

Allen would be fined $600,000, excluding civil damage. Allen's five-deck Tatoosh at 92.42 meters (303.21 feet) is the 49th largest yacht in the world. It comprises two helicopter landing pads, an observation lounge and a gymnasium.

“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”, said Vulcan Inc., Allen's Seattle-based organization, which manages his fortune.

Allen’s team is cooperating with local port authority in its investigation. According to the Cayman News Service, the divers reported the damage on last week and investigation report on the damage by environment department would be issued next week.

Allen, the billionaire philanthropist, owns the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. He is also a massive benefactor in Seattle and beyond, funding everything from libraries to healthcare initiatives and oceanic exploration projects.

Five months before to the coral reef damage, Allen had announced support for research to stabilize and restore coral reefs. The Cayman News Service reported that Allen’s yacht may have pushed toward coral reserve near the island by shifting winds. The area is in south of Cuba.