Explosion on Coal Cargo Ship Near Baltimore Harbor; No Injuries Reported
Baltimore, Aug. 19, 2025 — A cargo ship carrying coal experienced a sudden explosion and fire near Baltimore Harbor on Monday evening, close to the site of last year’s tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 23 crew members on board.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard and Baltimore City Fire Department, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on the bulk carrier vessel W-Sapphire, which was traveling outbound through the Patapsco River. Black smoke was seen rising into the sky as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Fire Quickly Contained
Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew West confirmed that both city firefighters and Coast Guard crews managed to extinguish the blaze while the ship was still moving. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the explosion and fire.
Video footage from the scene showed heavy plumes of smoke billowing from the vessel. While the ship suffered visible damage consistent with fire and explosion, all 23 crew members were reported safe.
Safety Zone Enforced
Authorities established a 500-yard safety zone around the vessel to secure the area, which could temporarily restrict marine traffic in the main shipping channel, measuring about 700 feet wide.
Reminder of Past Tragedy
The incident occurred not far from the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster on March 26, 2024, when a cargo ship struck the bridge, leading to its collapse and the deaths of six road workers.
Officials emphasized that while Monday’s explosion caused structural damage to the vessel, there was no immediate threat to surrounding infrastructure or the public.
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