Gulf of Paria widens as Trinidad pours oil on troubled Venezuelan waters

On 1 May, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited detected an oil spill at its offshore Main Field operation in the Gulf of Paria and notified Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Coast Guard and the Environmental Management Authority at 7:25 a.m.

Spill Detection and Immediate Response

Heritage Petroleum Company Limited confirmed the leak at its Main Field on 1 May at 7:25 a.m. The company notified the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Coast Guard and the Environmental Management Authority the same morning. Port of Spain estimates that approximately 10 barrels were spilled. The leak was stopped that day, repaired and returned to service on 2 May.

Cross-Border Modelling and Containment

Trinidad's spill trajectory modelling showed that untreated hydrocarbons could have reached Venezuelan waters. Chemical dispersants were deployed 6-8 nautical miles from the shared maritime border. Follow-up drone and vessel inspections found no visible hydrocarbons on the surface after the response.

Venezuelan Satellite Evidence and Public Statement

Satellite imagery obtained by Caracas, including images from 28 April, showed a slick originating from Trinidad three days before the local detection. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil went public on 12 May, demanding information and compensation. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez ordered a multidisciplinary team to assess the situation.

Scale of Potential Impact Reported by Caracas

Venezuela warned of impacts across 1,625 square kilometres, 12 strategic wetland systems, four national parks and the livelihoods of more than 500 fishermen in Sucre and Delta Amacuro. The government in Caracas learned of the incident through its own satellite imagery rather than direct notification from its neighbour.

Opposition Calls for Investigation

Former Energy Minister Stuart Young stated that Heritage Petroleum and the government deliberately withheld information. He said: "There must be an investigation now into who suppressed this information of an oil spill since May 1." MP Moonilal confirmed that talks with Venezuelan counterparts are being arranged.

Absence of Cross-Border Notification Framework

The incident highlights the lack of a pre-agreed cross-border notification process between the two nations. Port of Spain kept silent until Venezuela raised the matter internationally, while Caracas responded with formal demands for details and redress. Neighbours in the southern Caribbean now face the task of strengthening direct communication to protect shared waters and fishing communities on both sides.