The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating an explosion aboard a cargo ship hauling coal in Baltimore Harbor near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, officials said Monday. No injuries were reported.
The vessel, W-Sapphire, a 751-foot bulk carrier registered in Liberia, had 23 crewmembers and two pilots aboard. It was outbound from the harbor when it experienced what appeared to be a fire and explosion, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department.
A 2,000-yard safety zone around the site of the explosion has been set up, spanning from the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB “14,” according to the Coast Guard.
“The U.S. Coast Guard and partners are responding to reports of an explosion aboard the merchant vessel W-Sapphire while it was outbound from Baltimore Harbor, Monday,” the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement.
NEW – Cargo ship explodes near Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. pic.twitter.com/oQKld5xY4R
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) August 19, 2025
