Ship explosion causes fire near Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site

Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun on Aug 18, 2025

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BALTIMORE — An explosion aboard a cargo vessel near the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge late Monday is under investigation, Baltimore and federal officials said.

Part of a Liberian cargo vessel exploded, causing a fire in a portion of the ship located south of Fort Carroll, according to Baltimore City Fire Department.

At 6:30 p.m., Baltimore City Fire Department firefighters responded to reports of a commercial vessel exploding in the Patapsco River.

The ship, a 751-foot commercial cargo vessel named W-Sapphire, showed signs of a fire consistent with an explosion, according to Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson John Marsh.

“Firefighters responded by both land and water, including the department’s fireboats,” Marsh said. “The vessel remained afloat and was being assisted by tugboats.”

All 23 of the crew members were accounted for and uninjured after the incident, according to fire officials. The U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in the rescue of the crew and the recovery of the ship.

The ship also had two pilots aboard, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Matthew West, who said the merchant vessel was carrying coal.

Fireboats with Baltimore City Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard remained at the scene.

W-Sapphire was moved to an anchorage area until it is cleared to continue its journey by the U.S. Coast Guard.

An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

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