Key facts
- Venezuela's government announced an oil spill originating from Trinidad and Tobago is posing a threat to regional fishing and the environment.
- Caracas confirmed the spill's magnitude and the drift of pollutants toward Venezuelan waters using satellite imagery.
- Venezuela has requested Trinidad and Tobago take measures to prevent further incidents and demanded reparations.
- Trinidad and Tobago stated that only 10 barrels were spilled and it was contained on May 1.
- Venezuela's assessments indicated severe risks to ecosystems in Sucre and Delta Amacuro states and the Gulf of Paria.
Venezuela's government has stated that an oil spill originating from Trinidad and Tobago is causing significant environmental damage along its coastlines and threatening regional fishing. The government confirmed the spill's magnitude and the drift of pollutants toward Venezuelan waters, citing satellite imagery.
In a statement, Venezuela's foreign ministry requested that Trinidad and Tobago take measures to prevent further incidents and demanded reparations in accordance with international environmental law. Venezuela also reserved the right to take action before competent international bodies to determine liability. This follows a similar incident in May, for which Venezuela had previously sought compensation.