Key Facts

• Venezuela claims an oil spill from Trinidad and Tobago has hit its shores.
• The Venezuelan government says the spill is damaging marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
• Venezuela wants Trinidad and Tobago to take full responsibility and act quickly to stop more damage.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister said security forces are searching for signs of the spill using drones and boats.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign ministry has contacted Venezuela’s embassy to get more information.
• Venezuela showed satellite images that confirm the spill but did not say which areas are affected.
• The two countries have had tense relations recently due to political disagreements and migration policies.
• A similar spill happened in February 2024 when a tanker sank near Trinidad and Tobago, affecting Venezuela’s waters.