Dramatic Fireball in Baltimore Harbor: Cargo Ship Explodes Near Key Bridge Site
Incident Overview
On the evening of August 18, 2025, a massive explosion and fire erupted aboard the MV W-Sapphire, a Liberian-flagged 751-foot bulk carrier loaded with coal, as it departed Baltimore Harbor near the historic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site . Videography captured a horrifying fireball piercing the sky, followed by plumes of thick, black smoke spreading across the Patapsco River .
Response from Authorities
Swift and coordinated efforts by the Baltimore City Fire Department, fireboats, tugboats, and the U.S. Coast Guard helped contain the blaze and prevent further escalation . The vessel remained afloat and was carefully guided to a safe anchorage for stabilization and detailed inspection ⎼ ensuring navigational channels stayed clear .
Human Impact & Safety Report
All 23 people aboard the vessel, including two pilots, were accounted for and reported uninjured—a critical relief amid the chaos . Authorities confirmed no injuries or property damage beyond the ship itself and reaffirmed that there were no signs of environmental contamination at this stage .
Eyewitness Perspective
Witnesses onboard nearby boats were stunned by the sudden blast. One bystander recounted:
“We heard a really loud explosion… turned around, and there was a 200-foot plume of smoke… Mayday, mayday.”
Their sudden shift from calm sailing to chaotic emergency provides a vivid human lens on the unfolding event.
Strategic Location & Context
This dramatic incident occurred near the six-worker-fatal Key Bridge collapse site of March 2024—its memory still fresh in Baltimore’s collective consciousness . Despite the tense location, the latest event has not disrupted harbor operations and is currently classified as a contained maritime emergency.
What Comes Next?
Investigation underway: Authorities are probing the blast’s cause—whether it originated from the forward cargo hold or was sparked by mechanical failure .
Safety assessments: The vessel will remain at its anchorage until fully inspected and cleared by the Coast Guard.
Operational resilience: This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in busy port facilities—especially in sensitive zones with history.
Quick Overview: What You Need to Know
Aspect Details