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42m ago

Explosion Aboard Coal Carrier Near Baltimore's Key Bridge Site Contained

Officials reported no injuries, with the vessel now held at an anchorage under Coast Guard control.

The remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge are visible after nearly a year of cleanup on March 20, 2025. The bridge, a major span over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, collapsed on March 26, 2024 after it was struck by the Singapore-flagged container ship killing six road workers who were on the bridge at the time.
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Representational.
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Overview

  • The incident occurred around 6:28–6:30 p.m. Monday on the Patapsco River near the former Francis Scott Key Bridge site.
  • The 751-foot, Liberia-flagged W‑SAPPHIRE was carrying coal outbound from the CSX Coal Dock and was bound for Port Louis, Mauritius.
  • Firefighters and Coast Guard crews contained an under-deck fire, the vessel remained afloat with tug assistance, and it was escorted from the main channel.
  • Authorities established a 500-yard safety zone and moved the ship to a designated anchorage, which could temporarily affect local vessel traffic.
  • The Coast Guard is investigating the cause; all 23 crew members were accounted for with no injuries or property damage reported beyond the vessel.