Venezuela warns of 'serious' environmental impact from alleged oil spill in Trinidad and Tobago [View all]

Source: AP

Updated 11:03 AM CDT, May 10, 2026

CARACAS (AP) — Venezuela says an oil spill that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, two islands just off its coast, had caused serious environmental damage along the coastlines of at least two of its states and in a gulf area near the Caribbean nation.

Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry said late Saturday in a letter addressed to the international community that initial assessments found “severe risks” to ecosystems in the states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro and in the Gulf of Paria. It says the spill poses a threat to mangroves, wetlands and the environmental balance of the region.

Venezuela didn’t say when it first detected the spill or specify how much was spilled. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has not commented on or confirmed the alleged spill.

The Venezuelan government requested information about the incident and the action plan for mitigating and containing the spill, and demanded reparations measures in accordance with international environmental law, the official statement added.


Acting President Delcy Rodriguez smiles, next to U.S. Charge D’affaires Laura Dogu, after signing an agreement to allow Chevron to expand its oil operations in Venezuela, at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

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