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

The Dispute Over Shared Waters

Venezuela has formally demanded information and compensation from Trinidad and Tobago over an oil spill first noted on May 1, which Caracas says started in Trinidadian waters and could harm ecosystems in the Gulf of Paria. Port of Spain disputes the scale of the matter, describing it as a minor incident involving about 10 barrels that was quickly brought under control.

What Trinidad Authorities Reported

Heritage Petroleum Company Limited detected the spill at its offshore Main Field operation in the Gulf of Paria around 7:25 a.m. on May 1. The company promptly informed the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Coast Guard and the Environmental Management Authority. Officials state the leak was stopped the same day and the site was repaired and back in service by May 2.

Trinidad Modelling and Response Steps

Trinidad's spill trajectory modelling indicated that untreated hydrocarbons might have reached Venezuelan waters. Chemical dispersants were therefore applied roughly six to eight nautical miles from the shared maritime border. Follow-up checks by drone and vessel found no visible hydrocarbons left on the surface.

Venezuela Raises Concerns Publicly

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil went public on May 12 with demands for details and compensation. He warned of possible effects across 1,625 square kilometres that include 12 wetland systems, four national parks and the livelihoods of more than 500 fishermen in the states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez sent a team of environmental specialists, biologists and naval personnel to the area.

Satellite Evidence and Timing Questions

Caracas provided satellite imagery, including pictures from April 28, that appeared to show a slick beginning from Trinidad. Neither Heritage Petroleum nor the Trinidad and Tobago government had made the May 1 incident public until Venezuela highlighted it on the international stage.

Looking at Neighbourly Ties

The exchange highlights ongoing challenges in how the two countries manage environmental matters in the Gulf of Paria, a body of water that supports fishing communities on both sides. Heritage Petroleum, the state-owned company involved, operates in waters that link the daily lives of people in Trinidad and Venezuela.