Official announcements from PDVSA and local authorities, news reports

Venezuela Oil Spill from El Palito Refinery Contaminates 225 Square Kilometers, Spreads 28 Miles

Aug 20, 2024, 07:45 AM

An oil spill originating from Venezuela's El Palito refinery has contaminated a significant portion of the Caribbean Sea, affecting approximately 225 square kilometers, including Morrocoy National Park and Golfo Triste. The spill has resulted in black sludge on beaches such as Playa Tucacas along Venezuela's northwestern coast and has impacted local fishing activities. Efforts are underway to contain the leak from a broken oil pipeline, which has spread across 28 miles of coastline. The Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA, along with local authorities, are involved in the clean-up operations.