An explosion occurred on 18 August, aboard the 751-foot Liberia-flagged bulk carrier W-Sapphire in Baltimore’s Patapsco River, prompting a coordinated response from the U.S. Coast Guard and local partners.
The explosion was reported to Coast Guard Sector Maryland – National Capital Region watchstanders at approximately 6:30 p.m. EDT via VHF Channel 16 by the vessel, which was outbound from Baltimore Harbor with 23 crewmembers and 2 pilots aboard, south of Fort Carroll. The vessel was transporting coal and destined for Port Louis, Mauritius.
Responders quickly established a 2,000-yard safety zone around the incident location, stretching from the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB “14.” The fire has been extinguished, and plans for the vessel’s safe anchorage and inspection are being formulated.
Port of Baltimore can’t catch a break.
Cargo ship suffers explosion. What’s remaining of the Key Bridge in the background. /nyvAjYxQjW
— LibertyLark (@Usetheschwartz_) August 18, 2025
Port of Baltimore can’t catch a break.
Cargo ship suffers explosion. What’s remaining of the Key Bridge in the background. /nyvAjYxQjW
— LibertyLark (@Usetheschwartz_) August 18, 2025
W-Sapphire sustained damage consistent with a fire and explosion but remained afloat and was stabilized with the assistance of tugboats.
All 23 people on board were accounted for and uninjured, authorities confirmed. Baltimore Fire Department units responded by land and water, aided by fireboats including the 87-foot John R. Frazier and smaller craft, while the Coast Guard coordinated the ongoing investigation.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and the Coast Guard continues to coordinate with local port partners to ensure the area’s safety.
