Explosion reported on bulk carrier “W-Sapphire” near 2024 Key Bridge collapse site

The US Coast Guard on Monday (18 August) said it responded to reports of an explosion aboard bulk carrier W-Sapphire in Baltimore Harbor. 

Responders from Coast Guard Sector Maryland – National Capital Region were dispatched to the area to assist. No injuries have been reported at this time and the cause of the explosion is under investigation.

“Reports state the fire has been extinguished and plans for the vessel were being formulated,” the US Coast Guard said. 

At approximately 6:30 p.m., Sector Maryland – National Capital Region watchstanders received a call over VHF channel 16 from the W-Sapphire stating there had been an explosion aboard the vessel.

“The W-Sapphire was outbound from Baltimore Harbor with 23 crew members and two pilots aboard and was south of Fort Carroll at the time of the explosion. The report stated the vessel was transporting coal,” it added. 

Some media outlets have reported that the vessel was near the site of last year’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. 

In an update on 19 August, the Coast Guard said during the explosion a hatch detached and entered the water. 

Recovery plans to locate and retrieve the hatch are under development, but its exact location and potential impact on the navigable channel remain unknown.

Related: US sues owner, operator of Singapore-registered “Dali” for Baltimore bridge crash
Related: NTSB report dismisses bunker fuel as cause of Singapore-registered “Dali” crashing into Baltimore bridge
Related: Baltimore bridge crash: Safety investigation to include contaminated bunker fuel as possible cause
Related: Baltimore bridge collapse: FuelTrust highlights bunkering activities of Singapore-registered “Dali”
Related: MPA: Singapore-registered ship in Baltimore bridge crash passed previous foreign port state inspections

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / smp
Published: 20 August, 2025