Bulk ship floating on the ocean
Bulk ship floating on the ocean Fred dendoktoor/Pexels

A dramatic explosion shook Baltimore Harbor on the evening of 18 August 2025 when the bulk carrier MV W Sapphire caught fire shortly after departure. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Authorities confirmed that all 23 crew members and two pilots on board were accounted for, with no injuries reported. Investigators said the vessel was showing signs of damage consistent with a fire and explosion, though the exact cause remains under review.

Details of the Incident

The MV W Sapphire, a 751-foot Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, had just departed CSX's Curtis Bay terminal loaded with coal bound for Port Louis, Mauritius. Shortly after leaving port, a sudden blast rocked the ship's forward section, producing a fireball visible across the harbour. Heavy black smoke rose into the sky, prompting immediate emergency calls from nearby residents and vessels.

Despite the intensity of the blast, the ship remained afloat. Emergency responders worked to stabilise the situation, and tugboats guided the vessel to anchorage near Fort Howard, where it is being held under Coast Guard supervision until inspections are complete.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

Baltimore fireboats and land crews quickly converged on the scene, supported by tug operators and the U.S. Coast Guard. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze within hours, preventing the fire from spreading to other compartments of the coal carrier.

Authorities confirmed that evacuation was not required, as crew members were safe on board and accounted for during the response. The quick coordination between agencies was credited with averting a larger disaster in the busy shipping channel.

Investigations into the Cause

The cause of the Baltimore cargo ship explosion is still under active investigation. Early assessments indicate the vessel is showing damage consistent with both fire and explosion. Investigators have not ruled out mechanical issues or risks associated with coal cargo, which can sometimes combust under certain conditions.

As reported by The Economic Times, officials added that environmental monitoring is underway, though no contamination in the water has yet been reported.

Injuries and Human Impact

Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the 25 individuals on board at the time of the explosion. Crew members remained in safe areas of the ship while firefighting teams responded. The absence of casualties provided relief in a city still recovering from the tragic bridge collapse last year.

Nevertheless, public concern remains high. The size of the explosion, coupled with its proximity to residential areas, has left many questioning harbour safety standards.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the moment of the blast in vivid terms. Local sailor Jay Steinmetz, who was in the Patapsco River with his son, recalled: 'We turned around, and there was a 200-foot plume of smoke. We are like, "Holy crap." Within two or five minutes, we hear, "Mayday, mayday,"' as reported by CBS News.

Residents miles away reported hearing the explosion and feeling vibrations. One witness noted 'Sounded horrible and vibrated the whole house! Farmington in pasadena.' Social media quickly filled with photos and videos capturing the fireball and the thick column of smoke above the harbour.

Broader Context: Shadow of the Key Bridge Collapse

The explosion occurred near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March 2024 after being struck by the container ship MV Dali. That disaster killed six construction workers and caused major disruption to shipping in Baltimore.

Reconstruction of the bridge is already underway, with a new cable-stayed structure expected by 2028 at a projected cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion (£1.25 billion to 1.4 billion). The latest incident has revived concerns over maritime safety in Baltimore, highlighting the city's vulnerability to shipping accidents.

Writer's pick