Approximately 6:30 p.m. on August 18, 2025, a bulk carrier carrying coal, the W-Sapphire (also known as M/V W Sapphire) exploded in the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland at the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The 23 crew members and two pilots on board suffered no injury.
Emergency Response
Baltimore City Fire Department arrived at the scene quickly both by land and fireboats.
The fire and explosion was brought under control completely. The ship was damaged and stayed afloat.
The ship has been held in a specific anchorage location, with help of tugboats in its way towards reaching the anchorage location.
The safety zone was set at 2,000 yards out in a radius that began at the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB 14.
Context and Wider Concerns
The accident was just near the site of Key Bridge collapse-a March 2024 collapse that saw another cargo ship (the Dali) hit the bridge killing six workers.
The ongoing investigations not only question the cause of the explosion but also question the general safety of the port, especially as a new bridge is being planned and constructed and is expected to be completed around 2028.
According to maritime specialists, coal shipments are especially risky, due to the risk of spontaneous combustion, as well as methane build up and coal dust ignition, occurring more frequently without adequate ventilation and inspection.
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