Guyana has raised its alert level after a Venezuelan naval ship entered its exclusive economic zone on March 2, 2025. The country has deployed air assets and Coast Guard activities to secure the area, particularly around key installations like the Prosperity FPSO. President Irfaan Ali confirmed the vessel’s identity and emphasized the lawful nature of Guyana’s operations in the EEZ amidst provocative claims from Venezuela.
On March 2, 2025, Guyana heightened its alert status following the illegal penetration of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by a Venezuelan navy ship. In response, the nation has mobilized its air assets and Coast Guard to the affected waters to ensure security and sovereignty.
President Irfaan Ali addressed the public, highlighting the proximity of the Venezuelan naval vessel to several critical installations including the Prosperity floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), managed by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block. He confirmed that the vessel, identified as “ABF Wakari PO-11 IMO 4695542”, is part of the Venezuelan Coast Guard.
President Ali emphasized that activities within the FPSO Prosperity are conducted lawfully under Guyana’s jurisdiction. He remarked that the Venezuelan vessel had controversially transmitted radio communications, claiming the FPSO was operating in “undelimited waters,” which further escalated tensions between the two nations.
The recent incursion of a Venezuelan navy ship into Guyana’s EEZ underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the region. Guyana’s immediate mobilization of air support and Coast Guard forces reflects its commitment to protecting its maritime sovereignty. President Ali’s statements clarify his administration’s stance on the legality of operations within its EEZ, affirming the country’s right to secure its resources against unauthorized intrusions.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
