Explosion Aboard Bulk Carrier W-Sapphire in Baltimore Harbor

The US Coast Guard and local partners are currently responding to an explosion aboard the 751-foot Liberia-flagged bulk carrier W-Sapphire in Baltimore Harbor. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has prompted a swift and coordinated response from authorities.

According to reports, responders from Coast Guard Sector Maryland – National Capital Region were dispatched to the area to assist. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion. The vessel remains afloat and is currently being assisted by tug boats.

To ensure the safety of all involved, the Coast Guard has established a 2,000-yard safety zone around the incident location, spanning from the Key Bridge to Brewerton Angle Channel LB “14”. Despite the initial chaos, it has been confirmed that the fire has been extinguished, and plans for the vessel are being formulated.

The distress call was received at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday over VHF channel 16 from the W-Sapphire, which was outbound from Baltimore Harbor with 23 crewmembers and 2 pilots aboard. At the time of the explosion, the vessel was located south of Fort Carroll and was reportedly transporting coal.

Various agencies have been actively involved in the response efforts, including Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay response boat crews, a Coast Guard Station Annapolis response boat crew, Sector Maryland – National Capital Region responders, Baltimore Fire Department crews, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police crews.

The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. For a closer look at the ongoing response, a video from the Baltimore County Police Department can be viewed here.