A cargo ship loaded with coal prompted a swift mobilization of authorities following an explosion Monday in the Port of Baltimore. The affected vessel, the 751-foot Liberian-flagged W-Sapphire, was leaving port when the incident was reported south of Fort Carroll.
Details of the explosion recorded at W-Sapphire
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Maryland watchstanders received an emergency signal on VHF channel 16, reporting a detonation on board. At the time, the vessel was carrying 23 crewmembers and two pilots. The initial report indicated that the main cargo was coal.
Coast Guard crews, along with units from the Baltimore Fire Department and Maryland Department of Natural Resources police, deployed resources to contain the situation. The resulting fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.
Safety zone established in the channel
The Coast Guard established a 2,000-yard restricted area around the site around the site, spanning from the Key Bridge Bridge to the Brewerton Angle Channel. This measure was intended to prevent additional risks in an area of high maritime traffic.
While plans for handling the damaged vessel were being formulated, the vessel remained afloat and was assisted by tugboats to a safe area of the port. The origin of the explosion and the possible loss of part of the vessel’s structure during the incident are being investigated.
Concern about proximity to Key Bridge
The detonation occurred in a particularly sensitive area due to its proximity to the location of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in 2024. bridge collapse in 2024. Although there was no direct impact, the event reactivated concerns about safety in the area and the continuity of the bridge demolition and reconstruction operations.
The Port of Baltimore confirmed the reopening of the Fort McHenry federal channel after verifying navigability with the support of the Army Corps of Engineers, which used sonar equipment to assess obstructions.
Active follow-up by the authorities
So far, the cause of the explosion remains unclear. Federal and state authorities continue to monitor the condition of the freighter and will coordinate investigative boarding once the vessel’s internal structure is confirmed to be safe.
Collaboration among local, state and federal entities once again demonstrated the ability to respond to maritime emergencies in highly trafficked areas such as the port of Baltimore.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard
Photo: Shutterstock
