Baltimore Cargo Ship Explosion: W-Sapphire Fire Under Investigation Near Key Bridge Collapse Site

An explosion occurred on the bulk carrier ship W-Sapphire near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on the evening of August 18, 2025. The Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed receiving reports of an explosion on the vessel as it moved through the Patapsco River, not far from the remnants of the bridge that collapsed in March 2024. The fire on the cargo ship, which was carrying coal, was extinguished without causing any injuries or property damage, and all 23 crew members aboard, including two pilots, were accounted for and unharmed.

Responders, including fireboats and other agencies, arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the mayday call from the ship. The W-Sapphire, a 751-foot bulk carrier registered in Liberia, exhibited damage consistent with a fire and explosion. Tugboats assisted the vessel to remain afloat during the incident, ensuring it was cleared from the main shipping channel. As an investigation led by the United States Coast Guard commenced, the ship was relocated to a designated anchorage area pending official clearance.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore conveyed through a social media statement that state agencies were actively involved in responding to the situation and maintaining communication with local and federal authorities. Both the Baltimore City Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard expressed that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with no immediate threat to nearby infrastructure or vessel passage due to the established safety zone around the affected ship.

The incident took place near the site of the long-lasting repercussions from last year’s destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bridge collapse resulted from a cargo ship, the Dali, losing power and colliding with the bridge, leading to six fatalities among construction workers engaged in repair tasks at the time. The subsequent closure of Baltimore's port and traffic disruptions highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent to the shipping routes and prompted discussions on the implications for international commerce. Reconstruction efforts are reportedly underway with an expected completion date in 2028.

Baltimore's harbor remains an active site of maritime activity and is a crucial component of the city’s infrastructure, underscored by its ranking as the ninth-busiest port in the nation. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to manage the aftermath of incidents like the current explosion aboard the W-Sapphire, supporting operations alongside Baltimore’s emergency services.

As federal and local entities conduct their investigation, the broader impacts on regional trade and infrastructure are yet to be fully assessed. With an emphasis on safety and operational readiness, continued efforts to enhance maritime security and mitigate risk remain priorities for relevant authorities. This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of maritime operations and the importance of preparedness in safeguarding personnel and assets within the busy confines of Baltimore Harbor.