Venezuela Warns of Environmental Crisis After Oil Spill from Trinidad, Tobago

Venezuela raised alarm over a potential environmental disaster after detecting a hydrocarbon spill originating from Trinidad and Tobago, warning that the spreading contamination could threaten sensitive coastal ecosystems and marine resources.

The government said on Saturday that oil residues had been identified drifting toward Venezuelan waters, raising concerns about the possible expansion of the spill across ecologically vulnerable zones along its coastline.

In an official statement, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez instructed the Foreign Ministry to urgently engage with authorities in Port of Spain to obtain detailed information on the incident.

The request also includes clarification on emergency response measures being implemented by Trinidad and Tobago to contain the spill and limit its environmental impact.

Preliminary assessments cited by Venezuelan authorities suggest the spill may pose serious risks to mangrove forests, wetlands, and other ecologically sensitive marine areas.

Officials also warned of potential consequences for local fishing communities, many of whom depend heavily on coastal waters for their livelihoods.

The government cautioned that continued spread of the hydrocarbon leak could result in long-term damage to biodiversity and fish stocks across the region.

The incident comes amid already strained relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago over political and security issues, including migration flows and security cooperation between Port of Spain and the United States.